Substituted bisphenyl butanoic phosphonic acid derivatives as NEP inhibitors

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a compound of formula I; 
                         
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R 1 , R 2  and R 3  are defined herein. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical composition of the compounds of the invention and a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a compound of the invention.

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/764,679, filed Feb. 14, 2013; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11) (NEP) inhibitor compounds, the use thereof for inhibiting peripheral NEP and methods of treating disease using same.

BACKGROUND

Endogenous atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP), also called atrial natriuretic factors (ANF) have diuretic, natriuretic and vasorelaxant functions in mammals. The natural ANF peptides are metabolically inactivated, in particular by a degrading enzyme which has been recognized to correspond to the enzyme neutral endopeptidase EC 3.4.24.11, also responsible for e.g. the metabolic inactivation of enkephalins.

Neutral endopeptidase (also known as NEP, endopeptidase 24.11, EC 3.4.24.11; neprilysin, enkephalinase; atriopeptidase; fibroblast metalloelastase, kidney-brush-border neutral peptidase, membrane metallopeptidase A, MME g.p. (homo sapiens), common acute lymphocytic leukemia antigen (CALLA) or CD antigen (CD10)) is a zinc-containing metalloprotease found in many organs and tissues including brain, kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, heart and peripheral vasculature. NEP cleaves a variety of peptide substrates on the amino side of hydrophobic residues [see Pharmacol Rev, Vol. 45, p. 87 (1993)]. Substrates for this enzyme include, but are not limited to, atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), met- and leu-enkephalin, bradykinin, neurokinin A, endothelin-1, angiotensins, adrenomedullin, glucagon-like peptides, glucagon, insulin B chain, amyloid betas and substance P. Some of these peptides have potent vasodilatory and neurohormone functions, diuretic and natriuretic activity or mediate behaviour effects. ANP is a potent vasorelaxant and natriuretic agent [see J Hypertens, Vol. 19, p. 1923 (2001)]. Infusion of ANP in normal subjects resulted in a reproducible, marked enhancement of natriuresis and diuresis, including increases in fractional excretion of sodium, urinary flow rate and glomerular filtration rate [see J Clin Pharmacol, Vol. 27, p. 927 (1987)]. However, ANP has a short half-life in circulation, and NEP in kidney cortex membranes has been shown to be the major enzyme responsible for degrading this peptide [see Peptides, Vol. 9, p. 173 (1988)]. Thus, neutral endopeptidase inhibitors should increase plasma levels of ANP and, hence, are expected to induce natriuretic and diuretic effects.

Furthermore, NEP enzyme plays an important role in blood pressure homeostasis and cardiovascular health.

Neprilysin and other proteases such as insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE), and NEP-2 are important degrading enzymes of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) in the central nervous system (CNS) (Bart De Strooper et al. 2010, Physiol. Rev. 90:465-494; Nobuhisa Iwata et al. 2001, Science, Vol. 292, 1550-1552, Julie A. Carson et al. 2002, Journal of Neurochemistry. 2002, 81, 1-8). Decreased clearance of CNS A has been suggested to be linked to the development of neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer's disease (Kwasi G. Mawuenyega et al. 2010, Science, Vol. 330, 1774). Consequently, NEP inhibitor compounds that access critical CNS regions might inhibit CNS NEP and increase CNS Aβ peptide level.

Although the impact of pharmacologic NEP inhibition on CNS Aβ level and cognition in humans is unknown and there is no clinical indication that inhibiting NEP would be associated with cognitive impairment, NEP inhibitors displaying a beneficial peripheral inhibitory effect with minimized inhibitory CNS effect may be advantageous and may potentially offer an added level of safety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to provide novel NEP inhibitor compounds with beneficial peripheral inhibitory effect and minimized inhibitory CNS effect. The NEP inhibitors of the instant invention have restricted CNS access and therefore elicit no or small increase of Aβ peptide concentration in the CNS within the peripheral therapeutic dose or exposure range. Furthermore, the NEP inhibitor compounds of the invention elicit no or smaller increase of Aβ peptide concentration in the CNS as compared to the compounds of WO2010/136493.

The invention pertains to the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof as described herein. Examples of compounds of the invention include the compounds according to any one of Formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the compounds of the examples.

In embodiment 1, the invention therefore provides a compound of the formula (I):

wherein: R¹ is H; —C₁₋₇alkyl or C₆₋₁₀aryl; wherein alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of —O—C(O)—O—C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, —O—C(O)—C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, —O—C(O)—C₆₋₁₀aryl, —O—C(O)—O—C₆₋₁₀aryl, —O—C(O)— C₁₋₇alkyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, —C(O)-heterocyclyl, —C(O)NH₂, —C(O)NH—C₁₋₇alkyl, and —C(O)N(C₁₋₇alkyl)₂; R² is Cl, CH₃ or F; R³ is H, F, Cl, CH₃ or OCH₃, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The compounds of the invention, by inhibiting the neutral endopeptidase, can potentiate the biological effects of bioactive peptides. Thus, in particular the compounds have utility in the treatment of a number of disorders, including hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, resistant hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, angina, renal insufficiency (diabetic or non-diabetic), renal failure (including edema and salt retention), diabetic nephropathy, non-diabetic nephropathy, contrast induced nephropathy, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, scleroderma, glomerular sclerosis, proteinurea of primary renal disease, renal vascular hypertension, diabetic retinopathy and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), endothelial dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation (AF), cardiac fibrosis, atrial flutter, detrimental vascular remodeling, plaque stabilization, myocardial infarction (MI), renal fibrosis, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), renal failure (including edema and salt retention), cyclical oedema, Menière's disease, hyperaldosteronism (primary and secondary), hypercalciuria and ascites. In addition, because of their ability to potentiate the effects of ANP, the compounds have utility in the treatment of glaucoma. As a further result of their ability to inhibit the neutral endopeptidase E.C.3.4.24.11 the compounds of the invention may have activity in other therapeutic areas including for example the treatment of menstrual disorders, preterm labour, pre-eclampsia, endometriosis, and reproductive disorders (especially male and female infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, implantation failure). Also the compounds of the invention should treat asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, inflammation, leukemia, pain, epilepsy, affective disorders such as depression and psychotic condition such as dementia and geriatric confusion, obesity and gastrointestinal disorders (especially diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome), wound healing (especially diabetic and venous ulcers and pressure sores), septic shock, gastric acid secretion dysfunction, hyperreninaemia, cystic fibrosis, restenosis, type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, diabetic complications, atherosclerosis, and male and female sexual dysfunction.

In a preferred embodiment the compounds of the invention are useful in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

In another embodiment, the invention pertains to a method for treating disorders or diseases responsive to the inhibition of neutral endopeptidase, in a subject in need of such treatment, comprising: administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound according to any one of Formulae I-IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, such that the disorder or disease responsive to the inhibition of neutral endopeptidase in the subject is treated.

In yet another embodiment, the invention pertains to pharmaceutical compositions, comprising a compound according to any one of Formulae I-IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

In still another embodiment, the invention pertains to combinations including, a compound according to any one of Formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and pharmaceutical combinations of one or more therapeutically active agents.

In another embodiment, the invention pertains to a method for inhibiting neutral endopeptidase in a subject in need thereof, comprising: administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to any one of Formulae I-IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, such that neutral endopeptidase is inhibited.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1. illustrates the x-ray powder diffraction patterns of Example 1.

FIG. 2. illustrates the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of Example 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definition

For purposes of interpreting this specification, the following definitions will apply unless specified otherwise and whenever appropriate, terms used in the singular will also include the plural and vice versa.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” refers to a fully saturated branched or unbranched (or straight chain or linear) hydrocarbon moiety, comprising 1 to 7 carbon atoms. Preferably the alkyl comprises 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Representative examples of alkyl include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, n-hexyl, 3-methylhexyl, 2,2-dimethylpentyl, 2,3-dimethylpentyl, n-heptyl. The term “C₁₋₇alkyl” refers to a hydrocarbon having from one to seven carbon atoms. Similarly, the term “C₁₋₄alkyl” refers to a hydrocarbon having from one to four carbon atoms.

The term “aryl” refers to monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon groups having 6-10 carbon atoms in the ring portion. The term “aryl” also refers to a group in which the aromatic ring is fused to a cycloalkyl ring, where the radical of attachment is on the aromatic ring or on the fused cycloalkyl ring. Representative examples of aryl are phenyl, naphthyl, hexahydroindyl, indanyl or tetrahydronaphthyl. The term “C₆₋₁₀ aryl” refers to an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms in the ring portion. The term aryl refers to substituted and unsubstituted aryl. Examples of substituents are halo, C₁₋₇alkyl, halo-C₁₋₇alkyl, C₁₋₇alkoxy.

As used herein, the term “cycloalkyl” refers to saturated or unsaturated but non-aromatic monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic hydrocarbon groups of 3-12 carbon atoms, preferably 3-8, or 3-7 carbon atoms. For bicyclic, and tricyclic cycloalkyl system, all rings are non-aromatic. Exemplary monocyclic hydrocarbon groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexyl and cyclohexenyl. Exemplary bicyclic hydrocarbon groups include bornyl, decahydronaphthyl, bicyclo[2.1.1]hexyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptenyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl. Exemplary tricyclic hydrocarbon groups include adamantyl. The term “C₃₋₇cycloalkyl” refers to a cyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 7 carbon atoms.

As used herein, the term “alkoxy” refers to alkyl-O—, wherein alkyl is defined herein above. Representative examples of alkoxy include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, 2-propoxy, butoxy, tert-butoxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy, cyclopropyloxy-, cyclohexyloxy- and the like. Preferably, alkoxy groups have about 1-6, more preferably about 1-4 carbons. The term “C₁₋₇alkoxy” refers to an alkoxy group having from one to seven carbon atoms.

The term “heteroaryl” includes monocyclic or bicyclic heteroaryl, containing from 5-10 ring members selected from carbon atoms and 1 to 5 heteroatoms, and each heteroatom is independently selected from O, N or S wherein S and N may be oxidized to various oxidation states. For bicyclic heteroaryl system, the system is fully aromatic (i.e., all rings are aromatic). The term heteroaryl refers to substituted and unsubstituted heteroaryl. Examples of substituents are halo, C₁₋₇alkyl, halo-C₁₋₇alkyl, C₁₋₇alkoxy.

As used herein, the term “heterocyclyl” or “heterocyclo” refers to an optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated non-aromatic (partially unsaturated) ring, which is a 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-membered monocyclic, and contains at least one heteroatom selected from O, S and N, where the N and S can also optionally be oxidized to various oxidation states. For bicyclic and tricyclic heterocyclyl ring system, a non-aromatic ring system is defined as being a non-fully or partially unsaturated ring system. Therefore bicyclic and tricyclic heterocyclyl ring systems may include heterocyclyl ring systems wherein one of the fused rings is aromatic but the other(s) is (are) non-aromatic. In one embodiment, heterocyclyl moiety represents a saturated monocyclic ring containing from 5-7 ring atoms and optionally containing a further heteroatom, selected from O, S or N. The heterocyclic group can be attached at a heteroatom or a carbon atom. The heterocyclyl can include fused or bridged rings as well as spirocyclic rings. Examples of heterocycles include dihydrofuranyl, dioxolanyl, dioxanyl, dithianyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolidine, dihydropyranyl, oxathiolanyl, dithiolane, oxathianyl, thiomorpholino, oxiranyl, aziridinyl, oxetanyl, oxepanyl, azetidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, piperidinyl, morpholino, piperazinyl, azepinyl, oxapinyl, oxaazepanyl, oxathianyl, thiepanyl, azepanyl, dioxepanyl, and diazepanyl. The term heterocyclyl refers to both substituted and unsubstituted heterocyclyl. Examples of substituents on heterocyclyl are halo, C₁₋₇alkyl, halo-C₁₋₇alkyl, C₁₋₇alkoxy or oxo.

The term “heteroatom” includes atoms of any element other than carbon or hydrogen. Preferred heteroatoms are nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur and phosphorus. In another embodiment, the heteroatom is nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur.

Compound of the Invention:

Various embodiments of the invention are described herein. It will be recognized that features specified in each embodiment may be combined with other specified features to provide further embodiments.

In embodiment 2, certain compounds of Formula I have the (R) stereochemistry and are represented by compounds of Formula II:

wherein: R¹ is H; —C₁₋₇alkyl or C₆₋₁₀aryl; wherein alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of —O—C(O)—O—C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, —O—C(O)—C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, —O—C(O)—C₆₋₁₀aryl, —O—C(O)—O—C₆₋₁₀aryl, —O—C(O)—O—C₁₋₇alkyl, —O—C(O)—C₁₋₇alkyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, —C(O)-heterocyclyl, —C(O)NH₂, —C(O)NH—C₁₋₇alkyl, and —C(O)N(C₁₋₇alkyl)₂; R² is Cl, CH₃ or F; R³ is H, F, Cl, CH₃ or OCH₃, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In embodiment 3, the invention pertains to compounds according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein R² is Cl and R³ is F; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In embodiment 4, the invention pertains to compounds of embodiment 1, 2 or 3, having Formula III:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In embodiment 5, the invention pertains to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4 having Formula IV:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In embodiment 6, the invention pertains to prodrug of compound of Formula III or IV, i.e., compounds of Formula I or II according to embodiment 1, 2 or 3, wherein R¹ is —C₁₋₇alkyl or C₆₋₁₀aryl; wherein alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of —O—C(O)—O—C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, —O—C(O)—C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, —O—C(O)—C₆₋₁₀aryl, —O—C(O)—O—C₆₋₁₀aryl, —O—C(O)—O—C₁₋₇alkyl, —O—C(O)—C₁₋₇alkyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, —C(O)-heterocyclyl, —C(O)NH₂, —C(O)NH—C₁₋₇alkyl, and —C(O)N(C₁₋₇alkyl)₂; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In embodiment 7, the invention pertains to prodrug of compound of Formula III or IV, i.e., compounds of Formula I or II according to embodiment 1, 2 or 3, wherein R¹ is C₁₋₄alkyl or is selected from the following formulae:

wherein R^(a), R^(c), R^(d) and R^(e) are independently selected from H or C₁₋₄alkyl and R^(b) is C₁₋₄alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In embodiment 8, the invention pertains to prodrug of compound of Formula III or IV, i.e., compounds of Formula I or II according to embodiment 1, 2 or 3, wherein R¹ is Me, Et or is selected from a group of the following Formulae:

wherein R^(e) is H or C₁₋₄alkyl, and R^(b) is C₁₋₄alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In embodiment 9, the invention pertains to prodrug of compound of Formula III or IV, i.e., compounds of Formula I or II according to embodiment 1, 2 or 3, wherein R¹ is Me, Et or is selected from a group of the following Formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another embodiment, individual compounds according to the invention are those listed in the Examples section below or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In embodiment 10, the invention is crystalline form A of Example 1.

In embodiment 11, the invention is a crystalline free acid form A of Example 1 characterized by a x-ray powder diffraction pattern comprising four or more 2θ values (CuKα λ=1.5418 Å) selected from the group consisting of 16.5±0.2°, 17.5±0.2°, 17.8±0.2°, 18.7±0.2°, 20.2±0.2°, 20.7±0.2°, 21.7±0.2°, 21.9±0.2°, 24.1±0.2°, 24.6±0.2°, 25.0±0.2°, 25.5±0.2° and 27.4±0.2° measured at a temperature of about 22° C. and an x-ray wavelength, λ, of 1.5418 Å.

In embodiment 12, the invention is a crystalline free acid form A of Example 1 characterized by a x-ray powder diffraction pattern comprising five or more 2θ values (CuKα λ=1.5418 Å) selected from the group consisting of 16.5±0.2°, 17.5±0.2°, 17.8±0.2°, 18.7±0.2°, 20.2±0.2°, 20.7±0.2°, 21.7±0.2°, 21.9±0.2°, 24.1±0.2°, 24.6±0.2°, 25.0±0.2°, 25.5±0.2° and 27.4±0.2° measured at a temperature of about 22° C. and an x-ray wavelength, λ, of 1.5418 Å.

In embodiment 13, the invention is a crystalline free acid form A of Example 1 having an X-ray diffraction spectrum substantially the same as the X-ray powder diffraction spectrum shown in FIG. 1.

The term “substantially the same” with reference to X-ray diffraction peak positions means that typical peak position and intensity variability are taken into account. For example, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the peak positions (2⊖) will show some inter-apparatus variability, typically as much as 0.2°. Occasionally, the variability could be higher than 0.2° depending on apparatus calibration differences. Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that relative peak intensities will show inter-apparatus variability as well as variability due to degree of crystallinity, preferred orientation, prepared sample surface, and other factors known to those skilled in the art, and should be taken as qualitative measure only.

In embodiment 14, the invention is a crystalline free acid form A of Example 1 having a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermogram substantially the same as that shown in shown in FIG. 2.

In embodiment 15, the invention is a crystalline free acid form A of Example 1 having a thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) diagram substantially the same as that shown in shown in FIG. 2.

It will be noted that the structure of some of the compounds of this invention includes asymmetric carbon atoms. It is to be understood accordingly that the isomers arising from such asymmetry (e.g., all enantiomers and diastereomers) are included within the scope of this invention, unless indicated otherwise. Such isomers can be obtained in substantially pure form by classical separation techniques and by stereochemically controlled synthesis. Furthermore, the structures and other compounds and moieties discussed in this application also include all tautomers thereof.

As used herein, the term “isomers” refers to different compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in arrangement and configuration of the atoms. Also as used herein, the term “an optical isomer” or “a stereoisomer” refers to any of the various stereoisomeric configurations which may exist for a given compound of the present invention and includes geometric isomers. It is understood that a substituent may be attached at a chiral center of a carbon atom. Therefore, the invention includes enantiomers, diastereomers or racemates of the compound. “Enantiomers” are a pair of stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. A 1:1 mixture of a pair of enantiomers is a “racemic” mixture. The term is used to designate a racemic mixture where appropriate. “Diastereoisomers” and “diastereomers” can be used interchangeably and are stereoisomers that have at least two asymmetric atoms, but which are not mirror-images of each other. The absolute stereochemistry is specified according to the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog R-S system. When a compound is a pure enantiomer the stereochemistry at each chiral carbon may be specified by either R or S. Resolved compounds whose absolute configuration is unknown can be designated (+) or (−) depending on the direction (dextro- or levorotatory) which they rotate plane polarized light at the wavelength of the sodium D line. Certain of the compounds described herein contain one or more asymmetric centers or axes and may thus give rise to enantiomers, diastereomers, and other stereoisomeric forms that may be defined, in terms of absolute stereochemistry, as (R)- or (S)-. The present invention is meant to include all such possible isomers, including racemic mixtures, optically pure forms and intermediate mixtures. Optically active (R)- and (S)-isomers may be prepared using chiral synthons or chiral reagents, or resolved using conventional techniques. If the compound contains a double bond, the substituent may be E or Z configuration. If the compound contains a disubstituted cycloalkyl, the cycloalkyl substituent may have a cis- or trans-configuration. All tautomeric forms are also intended to be included.

Any asymmetric atom (e.g., carbon or the like) of the compound(s) of the present invention can be present in racemic or enantiomerically enriched, for example the (R)-, (S)- or (R, S)-configuration. In certain embodiments, each asymmetric atom has at least 50% enantiomeric excess, at least 60% enantiomeric excess, at least 70% enantiomeric excess, at least 80% enantiomeric excess, at least 90% enantiomeric excess, at least 95% enantiomeric excess, or at least 99% enantiomeric excess in the (R)- or (S)-configuration. Substituents at atoms with unsaturated bonds may, if possible, be present in cis- (Z)- or trans- (E)-form.

Accordingly, as used herein a compound of the present invention can be in the form of one of the possible isomers, rotamers, atropisomers, tautomers or mixtures thereof, for example, as substantially pure geometric (cis or trans) isomers, diastereomers, optical isomers (antipodes), racemates or mixtures thereof.

Any resulting mixtures of isomers can be separated on the basis of the physicochemical differences of the constituents, into the pure or substantially pure geometric or optical isomers, diastereomers, racemates, for example, by chromatography and/or fractional crystallization.

Any resulting racemates of final products or intermediates can be resolved into the optical antipodes by known methods, e.g., by separation of the diastereomeric salts thereof, obtained with an optically active acid or base, and liberating the optically active acidic or basic compound. In particular, a basic moiety may thus be employed to resolve the compounds of the present invention into their optical antipodes, e.g., by fractional crystallization of a salt formed with an optically active acid, e.g., tartaric acid, dibenzoyl tartaric acid, diacetyl tartaric acid, di-O,O′-p-toluoyl tartaric acid, mandelic acid, malic acid or camphor-10-sulfonic acid. Racemic products can also be resolved by chiral chromatography, e.g., high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a chiral adsorbent.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refers to salts that retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the compounds of this invention and, which typically are not biologically or otherwise undesirable. In many cases, the compounds of the present invention are capable of forming acid and/or base salts by virtue of the presence of amino and/or carboxyl groups or groups similar thereto.

Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts can be formed with inorganic acids and organic acids, e.g., acetate, aspartate, benzoate, besylate, bromide/hydrobromide, bicarbonate/carbonate, bisulfate/sulfate, camphorsulfonate, chloride/hydrochloride, chlortheophyllonate, citrate, ethandisulfonate, fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glucuronate, hippurate, hydroiodide/iodide, isethionate, lactate, lactobionate, laurylsulfate, malate, maleate, malonate, mandelate, mesylate, methylsulphate, naphthoate, napsylate, nicotinate, nitrate, octadecanoate, oleate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, phosphate/hydrogen phosphate/dihydrogen phosphate, polygalacturonate, propionate, stearate, succinate, sulfosalicylate, tartrate, tosylate and trifluoroacetate salts.

Inorganic acids from which salts can be derived include, for example, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like.

Organic acids from which salts can be derived include, for example, acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, sulfosalicylic acid, and the like. Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts can be formed with inorganic and organic bases.

Inorganic bases from which salts can be derived include, for example, ammonium salts and metals from columns I to XII of the periodic table. In certain embodiments, the salts are derived from sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium, magnesium, iron, silver, zinc, and copper; particularly suitable salts include ammonium, potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium salts.

Organic bases from which salts can be derived include, for example, primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines, cyclic amines, basic ion exchange resins, and the like. Certain organic amines include isopropylamine, benzathine, cholinate, diethanolamine, diethylamine, lysine, meglumine, piperazine and tromethamine.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present invention can be synthesized from a parent compound, a basic or acidic moiety, by conventional chemical methods. Generally, such salts can be prepared by reacting free acid forms of these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate base (such as Na, Ca, Mg, or K hydroxide, carbonate, bicarbonate or the like), or by reacting free base forms of these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate acid. Such reactions are typically carried out in water or in an organic solvent, or in a mixture of the two. Generally, use of non-aqueous media like ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, isopropanol, or acetonitrile is desirable, where practicable. Lists of additional suitable salts can be found, e.g., in “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences”, 20th ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., (1985); and in “Handbook of Pharmaceutical Salts: Properties, Selection, and Use” by Stahl and Wermuth (Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, Germany, 2002).

Any formula given herein is also intended to represent unlabeled forms as well as isotopically labeled forms of the compounds. For example, any hydrogen represented by “H” in any of the formulae herein is intended to represent all isotopic forms of hydrogen (e.g. ¹H, ²H or D, ³H); any carbon represented by “C” in any of the formulae herein is intended to represent all isotopic forms of carbon (e.g. ¹¹C, ¹³C, ¹⁴C); any nitrogen represented by “N” is intended to represent all isotopic forms of nitrogen (e.g. ¹⁴N, ¹⁵N). Other examples of isotopes that are included in the invention include isotopes of oxygen, sulfur, phosphorous, fluorine, iodine and chlorine, such as ¹⁸F ³¹P, ³²P, ³⁵S, ³⁶Cl, ¹²⁵I. The invention includes various isotopically labeled compounds as defined herein, for example those into which radioactive isotopes, such as ³H, ¹³C, and ¹⁴C are present. In one embodiment, the atoms in the formulae herein occur in their natural abundance. In another embodiment, one or more hydrogen atoms may be enriched in ²H; or/and one or more carbon atom may be enriched in ¹¹C, ¹³C or ¹⁴C; or/and one or more nitrogens may be enriched in ¹⁴N. Such isotopically labelled compounds are useful in metabolic studies (with ¹⁴C), reaction kinetic studies (with, for example ²H or ³H), detection or imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET) or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) including drug or substrate tissue distribution assays, or in radioactive treatment of patients. In particular, an ¹⁸F or labeled compound may be particularly desirable for PET or SPECT studies. Isotopically labeled compounds of this invention and prodrugs thereof can generally be prepared by carrying out the procedures disclosed in the schemes or in the examples and preparations described below by substituting a readily available isotopically labeled reagent for a non-isotopically labeled reagent.

Further, enrichment with heavier isotopes, particularly deuterium (i.e., ²H or D) may afford certain therapeutic advantages resulting from greater metabolic stability, for example increased in vivo half-life or reduced dosage requirements or an improvement in therapeutic index. It is understood that deuterium in this context is regarded as a substituent of a compound of the formulae I to IV. The concentration of such a heavier isotope, specifically deuterium, may be defined by the isotopic enrichment factor. The term “isotopic enrichment factor” as used herein means the ratio between the isotopic abundance and the natural abundance of a specified isotope. If a substituent in a compound of this invention is denoted deuterium, such compound has an isotopic enrichment factor for each designated deuterium atom of at least 3500 (52.5% deuterium incorporation at each designated deuterium atom), at least 4000 (60% deuterium incorporation), at least 4500 (67.5% deuterium incorporation), at least 5000 (75% deuterium incorporation), at least 5500 (82.5% deuterium incorporation), at least 6000 (90% deuterium incorporation), at least 6333.3 (95% deuterium incorporation), at least 6466.7 (97% deuterium incorporation), at least 6600 (99% deuterium incorporation), or at least 6633.3 (99.5% deuterium incorporation).

Isotopically enriched compounds of formulae I to IV can generally be prepared by conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art or by processes analogous to those described in the accompanying Examples and Preparations using an appropriate isotopically enriched reagent in place of the non-enriched reagent previously employed.

Pharmaceutically acceptable solvates in accordance with the invention include those wherein the solvent of crystallization may be isotopically substituted, e.g. D₂O, d₆-acetone, d₆-DMSO.

Compounds of the invention, i.e., compounds according to any one of formulae I to IV that contain groups capable of acting as donors and/or acceptors for hydrogen bonds may be capable of forming co-crystals with suitable co-crystal formers. These co-crystals may be prepared from compounds according to any one of formulae I to IV by known co-crystal forming procedures. Such procedures include grinding, heating, co-subliming, co-melting, or contacting in solution compounds according to any one of formulae I to IV with the co-crystal former under crystallization conditions and isolating co-crystals thereby formed. Suitable co-crystal formers include those described in WO 2004/078163. Hence the invention further provides co-crystals comprising a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, surfactants, antioxidants, preservatives (e.g., antibacterial agents, antifungal agents), isotonic agents, absorption delaying agents, salts, preservatives, drugs, drug stabilizers, binders, excipients, disintegration agents, lubricants, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, dyes, and the like and combinations thereof, as would be known to those skilled in the art (see, for example, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Ed. Mack Printing Company, 1990, pp. 1289-1329). Except insofar as any conventional carrier is incompatible with the active ingredient, its use in the therapeutic or pharmaceutical compositions is contemplated.

The term “a therapeutically effective amount” of a compound of the present invention refers to an amount of the compound of the present invention that will elicit the biological or medical response of a subject, for example, reduction or inhibition of an enzyme or a protein activity, or amelioration of a symptom, alleviation of a condition, slow or delay disease progression, or prevention of a disease, etc. In one non-limiting embodiment, the term “a therapeutically effective amount” refers to the amount of the compound of the present invention that, when administered to a subject, is effective to (1) at least partially alleviate, inhibit, prevent and/or ameliorate a condition, a disorder or a disease or a symptom thereof (i) ameliorated by the inhibition of neutral endopeptidase or (ii) associated with neutral endopeptidase activity, or (iii) characterized by abnormal activity of neutral endopeptidase; or (2) reduce or inhibit the activity of neutral endopeptidase; or (3) reduce or inhibit the expression of neutral endopeptidase. In another non-limiting embodiment, the term “a therapeutically effective amount” refers to the amount of the compound of the present invention that, when administered to a cell, or a tissue, or a non-cellular biological material, or a medium, is effective to at least partially reduce or inhibit the activity of neutral endopeptidase; or at least partially reduce or inhibit the expression of neutral endopeptidase.

As used herein, the term “subject” refers to an animal. Typically the animal is a mammal. A subject also refers to for example, primates (e.g., humans), cows, sheep, goats, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, mice, fish, birds and the like. In certain embodiments, the subject is a primate. In yet other embodiments, the subject is a human.

As used herein, the term “inhibit”, “inhibition” or “inhibiting” refers to the reduction or suppression of a given condition, symptom, or disorder, or disease, or a significant decrease in the baseline activity of a biological activity or process.

As used herein, the term “treat”, “treating” or “treatment” of any disease or disorder refers in one embodiment, to ameliorating the disease or disorder (i.e., slowing or arresting or reducing the development of the disease or at least one of the clinical symptoms thereof). In another embodiment, “treat”, “treating” or “treatment” refers to alleviating or ameliorating at least one physical parameter including those which may not be discernible by the patient. In yet another embodiment, “treat”, “treating” or “treatment” refers to modulating the disease or disorder, either physically, (e.g., stabilization of a discernible symptom), physiologically, (e.g., stabilization of a physical parameter), or both. In yet another embodiment, “treat”, “treating” or “treatment” refers to preventing or delaying the onset or development or progression of the disease or disorder.

As used herein, a subject is “in need of” a treatment if such subject would benefit biologically, medically or in quality of life from such treatment.

As used herein, the term “a,” “an,” “the” and similar terms used in the context of the present invention (especially in the context of the claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and plural unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed.

Compounds of the present invention are either obtained in the free form, as a salt thereof, or as prodrug derivatives thereof.

When both a basic group and an acid group are present in the same molecule, the compounds of the present invention may also form internal salts, e.g., zwitterionic molecules.

The present invention also provides pro-drugs of the compounds of the present invention that convert in vivo to the compounds of the present invention. A pro-drug is an active or inactive compound that is modified chemically through in vivo physiological action, such as hydrolysis, metabolism and the like, into a compound of this invention following administration of the prodrug to a subject. The suitability and techniques involved in making and using pro-drugs are well known by those skilled in the art. Prodrugs can be conceptually divided into two non-exclusive categories, bioprecursor prodrugs and carrier prodrugs. See The Practice of Medicinal Chemistry, Ch. 31-32 (Ed. Wermuth, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif., 2001). Generally, bioprecursor prodrugs are compounds, which are inactive or have low activity compared to the corresponding active drug compound, that contain one or more protective groups and are converted to an active form by metabolism or solvolysis. Both the active drug form and any released metabolic products should have acceptably low toxicity. Carrier prodrugs are drug compounds that contain a transport moiety, e.g., that improve uptake and/or localized delivery to a site(s) of action. Desirably for such a carrier prodrug, the linkage between the drug moiety and the transport moiety is a covalent bond, the prodrug is inactive or less active than the drug compound, and any released transport moiety is acceptably non-toxic. For prodrugs where the transport moiety is intended to enhance uptake, typically the release of the transport moiety should be rapid. In other cases, it is desirable to utilize a moiety that provides slow release, e.g., certain polymers or other moieties, such as cyclodextrins. Carrier prodrugs can, for example, be used to improve one or more of the following properties: increased lipophilicity, increased duration of pharmacological effects, increased site-specificity, decreased toxicity and adverse reactions, and/or improvement in drug formulation (e.g., stability, water solubility, suppression of an undesirable organoleptic or physiochemical property). For example, lipophilicity can be increased by esterification of (a) hydroxyl groups with lipophilic carboxylic acids (e.g., a carboxylic acid having at least one lipophilic moiety), or (b) carboxylic acid groups with lipophilic alcohols (e.g., an alcohol having at least one lipophilic moiety, for example aliphatic alcohols).

Exemplary prodrugs are, e.g., esters of free carboxylic acids and S-acyl derivatives of thiols and O-acyl derivatives of alcohols or phenols, wherein acyl has a meaning as defined herein. Suitable prodrugs are often pharmaceutically acceptable ester derivatives convertible by solvolysis under physiological conditions to the parent carboxylic acid, e.g., lower alkyl esters, cycloalkyl esters, lower alkenyl esters, benzyl esters, mono- or disubstituted lower alkyl esters, such as the ω-(amino, mono- or di-lower alkylamino, carboxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl)-lower alkyl esters, the ω-(lower alkanoyloxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl or di-lower alkylaminocarbonyl)-lower alkyl esters, such as the pivaloyloxymethyl ester and the like conventionally used in the art. In addition, amines have been masked as arylcarbonyloxymethyl substituted derivatives which are cleaved by esterases in vivo releasing the free drug and formaldehyde (Bundgaard, J. Med. Chem. 2503 (1989)). Moreover, drugs containing an acidic NH group, such as imidazole, imide, indole and the like, have been masked with N-acyloxymethyl groups (Bundgaard, Design of Prodrugs, Elsevier (1985)). Hydroxy groups have been masked as esters and ethers. EP 039,051 (Sloan and Little) discloses Mannich-base hydroxamic acid prodrugs, their preparation and use.

Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention, including their salts, can also be obtained in the form of their hydrates, or include other solvents used for their crystallization.

General Synthetic Scheme:

The compounds of the invention can be synthesized using the methods described in the following schemes, examples, and by using art recognized techniques. All compounds described herein are included in the invention as compounds. Compounds of the invention may be synthesized according to at least one of the methods described in the scheme below.

Within the scope of this text, only a readily removable group that is not a constituent of the particular desired end product of the compounds of the present invention is designated a “protecting group”, unless the context indicates otherwise. The protection of functional groups by such protecting groups, the protecting groups themselves, and their cleavage reactions are described for example in standard reference works, such as J. F. W. McOmie, “Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry”, Plenum Press, London and New York 1973, in T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis”, Third edition, Wiley, New York 1999.

Salts of compounds of the present invention having at least one salt-forming group may be prepared in a manner known per se. For example, salts of compounds of the present invention having acid groups may be formed, for example, by treating the compounds with metal compounds, such as alkali metal salts of suitable organic carboxylic acids, e.g. the sodium salt of 2-ethylhexanoic acid, with organic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal compounds, such as the corresponding hydroxides, carbonates or hydrogen carbonates, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, carbonate or hydrogen carbonate, with corresponding calcium compounds or with ammonia or a suitable organic amine, stoichiometric amounts or only a small excess of the salt-forming agent preferably being used. Acid addition salts of compounds of the present invention are obtained in customary manner, e.g. by treating the compounds with an acid or a suitable anion exchange reagent. Internal salts of compounds of the present invention containing acid and basic salt-forming groups, e.g. a free carboxy group and a free amino group, may be formed, e.g. by the neutralisation of salts, such as acid addition salts, to the isoelectric point, e.g. with weak bases, or by treatment with ion exchangers.

Salts can be converted in customary manner into the free compounds; metal and ammonium salts can be converted, for example, by treatment with suitable acids, and acid addition salts, for example, by treatment with a suitable basic agent.

Mixtures of isomers obtainable according to the invention can be separated in a manner known per se into the individual isomers; diastereoisomers can be separated, for example, by partitioning between polyphasic solvent mixtures, recrystallisation and/or chromatographic separation, for example over silica gel or by e.g. medium pressure liquid chromatography over a reversed phase column, and racemates can be separated, for example, by the formation of salts with optically pure salt-forming reagents and separation of the mixture of diastereoisomers so obtainable, for example by means of fractional crystallisation, or by chromatography over optically active column materials.

Intermediates and final products can be worked up and/or purified according to standard methods, e.g. using chromatographic methods, distribution methods, (re-) crystallization, and the like.

The following applies in general to all processes mentioned herein before and hereinafter.

All the above-mentioned process steps can be carried out under reaction conditions that are known per se, including those mentioned specifically, in the absence or, customarily, in the presence of solvents or diluents, including, for example, solvents or diluents that are inert towards the reagents used and dissolve them, in the absence or presence of catalysts, condensation or neutralizing agents, for example ion exchangers, such as cation exchangers, e.g. in the H+ form, depending on the nature of the reaction and/or of the reactants at reduced, normal or elevated temperature, for example in a temperature range of from about −100° C. to about 190° C., including, for example, from approximately −80° C. to approximately 150° C., for example at from −80 to −60° C., at room temperature, at from −20 to 40° C. or at reflux temperature, under atmospheric pressure or in a closed vessel, where appropriate under pressure, and/or in an inert atmosphere, for example under an argon or nitrogen atmosphere.

At all stages of the reactions, mixtures of isomers that are formed can be separated into the individual isomers, for example diastereoisomers or enantiomers, or into any desired mixtures of isomers, for example racemates or mixtures of diastereoisomers, for example analogously to the methods described under “Additional process steps”.

The solvents from which those solvents that are suitable for any particular reaction may be selected include those mentioned specifically or, for example, water, esters, such as lower alkyl-lower alkanoates, for example ethyl acetate, ethers, such as aliphatic ethers, for example diethyl ether, or cyclic ethers, for example tetrahydrofuran or dioxane, liquid aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene or toluene, alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol or 1- or 2-propanol, nitriles, such as acetonitrile, halogenated hydrocarbons, such as methylene chloride or chloroform, acid amides, such as dimethylformamide or dimethyl acetamide, bases, such as heterocyclic nitrogen bases, for example pyridine or N-methylpyrrolidin-2-one, carboxylic acid anhydrides, such as lower alkanoic acid anhydrides, for example acetic anhydride, cyclic, linear or branched hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane, hexane or isopentane, methycyclohexane, or mixtures of those solvents, for example aqueous solutions, unless otherwise indicated in the description of the processes. Such solvent mixtures may also be used in working up, for example by chromatography or partitioning.

The compounds, including their salts, may also be obtained in the form of hydrates, or their crystals may, for example, include the solvent used for crystallization. Different crystalline forms may be present.

The invention relates also to those forms of the process in which a compound obtainable as an intermediate at any stage of the process is used as starting material and the remaining process steps are carried out, or in which a starting material is formed under the reaction conditions or is used in the form of a derivative, for example in a protected form or in the form of a salt, or a compound obtainable by the process according to the invention is produced under the process conditions and processed further in situ.

All starting materials, building blocks, reagents, acids, bases, dehydrating agents, solvents and catalysts utilized to synthesize the compounds of the present invention are either commercially available or can be produced by organic synthesis methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art (Houben-Weyl 4^(th) Ed. 1952, Methods of Organic Synthesis, Thieme, Volume 21).

Typically, the compounds according to formula I, II, III or IV can be prepared according to the Scheme provided infra.

wherein R¹, R², R³ are as defined in claim 1 supra and P¹ is an amino protecting group (e.g. t-butoxycarbonyl).

In step (2a), standard methods for Suzuki coupling reaction can be applied, such as using a palladium (or nickel) species [e.g. Pd(PPh₃)₄, PdCl₂(dppf), Pd(OAc)₂/a phosphine (e.g. PPh₃, dppf, PCy₃, P(tBu)₃, XPhos), Pd/C, Pd₂(dba)₃/a phosphine (e.g. PPh₃, dppf, PCy₃, P(tBu)₃, XPhos), Ni(COD)₂/a phosphine (or dppe, dppb, PCy₃), Ni(dppf)Cl₂], a base (e.g. KF, CsF, K₃PO₄, Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, Cs₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH, NaO-t-Bu, KO-t-Bu), and (R²)n-PhB(OH)₂ [or (R²)n-PhBF₃K].

In step (2b), standard methods to alkylate the carboxylic acid can be employed, such as using R-LG/base (wherein LG is a leaving group selected from, but not limited to, Cl, Br, I, OMs, OTs or OTf) (e.g. K₂CO₃, NaHCO₃, Cs₂CO₃ or K₃PO₄), thionyl chloride (or oxalyl chloride)/R¹—OH, DCC (or EDCl)/DMAP/R¹—OH, BOP/R¹OK (or R¹ONa), (R¹O)₂CHNMe₂, CDI/DBU/R¹—OH wherein R¹ is as defined in supra.

In step (2c), standard methods for removing a P¹ protecting groups can be applied, such as acid-induced cleavage using TFA or HCl.

In step (2d), standard methods for amide-coupling can be employed to attach 3-phosphonoproprionic acid, such as, but not limited to HATU or EDC/HOBt, in the presence of base such as, but not limited to diisopropylethylamine.

The invention further includes any variant of the present processes, in which an intermediate product obtainable at any stage thereof is used as starting material and the remaining steps are carried out, or in which the starting materials are formed in situ under the reaction conditions, or in which the reaction components are used in the form of their salts or optically pure antipodes.

Compounds of the invention and intermediates can also be converted into each other according to methods generally known to those skilled in the art.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. The pharmaceutical composition can be formulated for particular routes of administration such as oral administration, parenteral administration, and rectal administration, etc. In addition, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can be made up in a solid form (including without limitation capsules, tablets, pills, granules, powders or suppositories), or in a liquid form (including without limitation solutions, suspensions or emulsions). The pharmaceutical compositions can be subjected to conventional pharmaceutical operations such as sterilization and/or can contain conventional inert diluents, lubricating agents, or buffering agents, as well as adjuvants, such as preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers and buffers, etc.

Typically, the pharmaceutical compositions are tablets or gelatin capsules comprising the active ingredient together with

-   -   a) diluents, e.g., lactose, dextrose, sucrose, mannitol,         sorbitol, cellulose and/or glycine;     -   b) lubricants, e.g., silica, talcum, stearic acid, its magnesium         or calcium salt and/or polyethyleneglycol; for tablets also     -   c) binders, e.g., magnesium aluminum silicate, starch paste,         gelatin, tragacanth, methylcellulose, sodium         carboxymethylcellulose and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone; if desired     -   d) disintegrants, e.g., starches, agar, alginic acid or its         sodium salt, or effervescent mixtures; and/or     -   e) absorbents, colorants, flavors and sweeteners.

Tablets may be either film coated or enteric coated according to methods known in the art.

Suitable compositions for oral administration include an effective amount of a compound of the invention in the form of tablets, lozenges, aqueous or oily suspensions, dispersible powders or granules, emulsion, hard or soft capsules, or syrups or elixirs. Compositions intended for oral use are prepared according to any method known in the art for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions and such compositions can contain one or more agents selected from the group consisting of sweetening agents, flavoring agents, coloring agents and preserving agents in order to provide pharmaceutically elegant and palatable preparations. Tablets may contain the active ingredient in admixture with nontoxic pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which are suitable for the manufacture of tablets. These excipients are, for example, inert diluents, such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lactose, calcium phosphate or sodium phosphate; granulating and disintegrating agents, for example, corn starch, or alginic acid; binding agents, for example, starch, gelatin or acacia; and lubricating agents, for example magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. The tablets are uncoated or coated by known techniques to delay disintegration and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over a longer period. For example, a time delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate can be employed. Formulations for oral use can be presented as hard gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent, for example, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin, or as soft gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with water or an oil medium, for example, peanut oil, liquid paraffin or olive oil.

Certain injectable compositions are aqueous isotonic solutions or suspensions, and suppositories are advantageously prepared from fatty emulsions or suspensions. Said compositions may be sterilized and/or contain adjuvants, such as preserving, stabilizing, wetting or emulsifying agents, solution promoters, salts for regulating the osmotic pressure and/or buffers. In addition, they may also contain other therapeutically valuable substances. Said compositions are prepared according to conventional mixing, granulating or coating methods, respectively, and contain about 0.1-75%, or contain about 1-50%, of the active ingredient.

Suitable compositions for transdermal application include an effective amount of a compound of the invention with a suitable carrier. Carriers suitable for transdermal delivery include absorbable pharmacologically acceptable solvents to assist passage through the skin of the host. For example, transdermal devices are in the form of a bandage comprising a backing member, a reservoir containing the compound optionally with carriers, optionally a rate controlling barrier to deliver the compound of the skin of the host at a controlled and predetermined rate over a prolonged period of time, and means to secure the device to the skin.

Suitable compositions for topical application, e.g., to the skin and eyes, include aqueous solutions, suspensions, ointments, creams, gels or sprayable formulations, e.g., for delivery by aerosol or the like. Such topical delivery systems will in particular be appropriate for dermal application. They are thus particularly suited for use in topical, including cosmetic, formulations well-known in the art. Such may contain solubilizers, stabilizers, tonicity enhancing agents, buffers and preservatives.

As used herein a topical application may also pertain to an inhalation or to an intranasal application. They may be conveniently delivered in the form of a dry powder (either alone, as a mixture, for example a dry blend with lactose, or a mixed component particle, for example with phospholipids) from a dry powder inhaler or an aerosol spray presentation from a pressurised container, pump, spray, atomizer or nebuliser, with or without the use of a suitable propellant.

The present invention further provides anhydrous pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms comprising the compounds of the present invention as active ingredients, since water may facilitate the degradation of certain compounds.

Anhydrous pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms of the invention can be prepared using anhydrous or low moisture containing ingredients and low moisture or low humidity conditions. An anhydrous pharmaceutical composition may be prepared and stored such that its anhydrous nature is maintained. Accordingly, anhydrous compositions are packaged using materials known to prevent exposure to water such that they can be included in suitable formulary kits. Examples of suitable packaging include, but are not limited to, hermetically sealed foils, plastics, unit dose containers (e.g., vials), blister packs, and strip packs.

The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms that comprise one or more agents that reduce the rate by which the compound of the present invention as an active ingredient will decompose. Such agents, which are referred to herein as “stabilizers” include, but are not limited to, antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, pH buffers, or salt buffers, etc.

The compounds according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in free form or in pharmaceutically acceptable salt form, exhibit valuable pharmacological properties, e.g. neutral endopeptidase modulating properties, e.g. as indicated in in vitro and in vivo tests as provided in the next sections and are therefore indicated for therapy.

Compounds of the invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be useful in the treatment of an indication selected from hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, resistant hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, angina, renal insufficiency (diabetic or non-diabetic), renal failure (including edema and salt retention), diabetic nephropathy, non-diabetic nephropathy, contrast induced nephropathy, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, scleroderma, glomerular sclerosis, proteinurea of primary renal disease, renal vascular hypertension, diabetic retinopathy and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), endothelial dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation (AF), cardiac fibrosis, atrial flutter, detrimental vascular remodeling, plaque stabilization, myocardial infarction (MI), renal fibrosis, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), renal failure (including edema and salt retention), cyclical oedema, Menière's disease, hyperaldosteronism (primary and secondary), hypercalciuria, ascites, glaucoma, menstrual disorders, preterm labour, pre-eclampsia, endometriosis, and reproductive disorders (especially male and female infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, implantation failure), asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, inflammation, leukemia, pain, epilepsy, affective disorders such as depression and psychotic condition such as dementia and geriatric confusion, obesity and gastrointestinal disorders (especially diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome), wound healing (especially diabetic and venous ulcers and pressure sores), septic shock, gastric acid secretion dysfunctions, hyperreninaemia, cystic fibrosis, restenosis, type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, diabetic complications, atherosclerosis, and male and female sexual dysfunction. Thus, as a further embodiment, the present invention provides the use of a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In a further embodiment, the therapy is selected from a disease which is associated with neutral endopeptidase activity. In another embodiment, the disease is selected from the aforementioned list, suitably hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, resistant hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, angina, renal insufficiency, renal failure (including edema and salt retention), diabetic nephropathy, non-diabetic nephropathy, contrast induced nephropathy, type-2 diabetes, and diabetic complications and most suitably cardiovascular disorders, such as hypertension, renal insufficiency including edema and congestive heart failure.

Thus, as a further embodiment, the present invention provides the use of a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in therapy. In a further embodiment, the therapy is selected from a disease which may be treated by inhibiting neutral endopeptidase activity.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a disease which is associated with neutral endopeptidase activity comprising administration of a therapeutically acceptable amount of a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In a further embodiment, the disease is selected from the aforementioned list, suitably hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, resistant hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, angina, renal insufficiency, renal failure (including edema and salt retention), diabetic nephropathy, non-diabetic nephropathy, contrast induced nephropathy, type-2 diabetes, and diabetic complications and most suitably cardiovascular disorders, such as hypertension, renal insufficiency including edema and congestive heart failure.

The pharmaceutical composition or combination of the present invention can be in unit dosage of about 1-1000 mg of active ingredient(s) for a subject of about 50-70 kg, or about 1-500 mg or about 1-250 mg or about 1-150 mg or about 0.5-100 mg, or about 1-50 mg of active ingredients. The therapeutically effective dosage of a compound, the pharmaceutical composition, or the combinations thereof, are dependent on the species of the subject, the body weight, age and individual condition, the disorder or disease or the severity thereof being treated. A physician, clinician or veterinarian of ordinary skill can readily determine the effective amount of each of the active ingredients necessary to prevent, treat or inhibit the progress of the disorder or disease.

The above-cited dosage properties are demonstrable in vitro and in vivo tests using advantageously mammals, e.g., mice, rats, dogs, monkeys or isolated organs, tissues and preparations thereof. The compounds of the present invention can be applied in vitro in the form of solutions, e.g., aqueous solutions, and in vivo either enterally, parenterally, advantageously intravenously, e.g., as a suspension or in aqueous solution. The dosage in vitro may range between about 10⁻³ molar and 10⁻⁹ molar concentrations. A therapeutically effective amount in vivo may range depending on the route of administration, between about 0.1-500 mg/kg, or between about 1-100 mg/kg.

The activity of a compound according to the present invention can be assessed by the following in vitro and in vivo methods and/or by the following in vitro and in vivo methods well-described in the art. See Doering K, Meder G, Hinnenberger M, Woelcke J, Mayr L M, Hassiepen U, (2009) “A fluorescence lifetime-based assay for protease inhibitor profiling on human kallikrein 7”, Biomol Screen, January; 14(1):1-9.

In particular, the in vitro inhibition of recombinant human neutral endopeptidase can be determined as follows:

Recombinant human neutral endopeptidase (expressed in insect cells and purified using standard methods, final concentration 7 pM) is pre-incubated with test compounds at various concentrations for 1 hour at room temperature in 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 7.4, containing 150 mM NaCl and 0.05% (w/v) CHAPS. The enzymatic reaction is started by the addition of a synthetic peptide substrate Cys(PT14)-Arg-Arg-Leu-Trp-OH to a final concentration of 0.7 μM. Substrate hydrolysis leads to an increase in fluorescence lifetime (FLT) of PT14 measured by means of a FLT reader as described by Doering et al. (2009) as referenced supra. The effect of the compound on the enzymatic activity was determined after 1 hour (t=60 min) incubation at room temperature. The IC₅₀ values, corresponding to the inhibitor concentration showing 50% reduction of the FLT values measured in absence of inhibitor, are calculated from the plot of percentage of inhibition vs. inhibitor concentration using non-linear regression analysis software.

Using the test assay (as described above) compounds of the invention exhibited inhibitory potency in accordance to Table 1, provided infra.

TABLE 1 Inhibitory Activity of Compounds Compounds: Example # Human NEP IC₅₀ (nM) Example 2 0.11

The relative CNS and peripheral therapeutic activities of NEP inhibitors were evaluated in two nonclinical animal models. Compounds or their vehicle were administered orally to conscious rats, and either the increase in Aβ(1-40) peptide concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; “Aβ model”) or the increase in plasma levels of the NEP substrate, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP; “ANP potentiation model”) were determined. Thus, NEP inhibitors that elicit no or small increases in CSF Aβ at a given increase in plasma ANP may have an advantage over ones that trigger large elevations in Aβ.

We evaluated the efficacy and peripheral effects of NEP inhibitors using an ANP potentiation model as described below

ANP Potentiation Model

Natriuretic peptides are eliminated from the body via two primary pathways: 1) binding to natriuretic peptide clearance receptors followed by endocytosis and lysosomal hydrolysis and 2) hydrolysis by the membrane-bound zinc metalloprotease NEP, which has been identified in various tissues such as kidney, lung, intestine, brain, and neutrophils (Maack T (2006) The broad homeostatic role of natriuretic peptides. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab; 50:198-207; Okolicany J, McEnroe G A, Koh G Y, et al (1992) Clearance receptor and neutral endopeptidase-mediated metabolism of atrial natriuretic factor. Am J Physiol; 263:F546-53). In normal animals, the clearance receptor predominates in degrading natriuretic peptides (Maack 2006, referenced supra). In contrast, under conditions in which clearance receptors are saturated by high circulating levels of natriuretic peptides (e.g., congestive heart failure), the role of NEP in inactivating natriuretic peptides becomes significant (Maack 2006 referenced supra, Okolicany, et al 1992 referenced supra).

The latter observation was exploited to evaluate the peripheral effects of NEP inhibitors. By infusing exogenous ANP to saturate the clearance receptor, the ANP-metabolizing effects of NEP were unmasked in normal conscious rats (Gu, Jessie et al. (2010), “Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of LCZ696, a novel dual-acting angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi)”, Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 50(4), 401-414; Okolicany, et al 1992 referenced supra, Trapani A J, Beil M E, Bruseo C W, et al (2004) CGS 35601 and its orally active prodrug CGS 37808 as triple inhibitors of endothelin-converting enzyme-1, neutral endopeptidase 24.11, and angiotensin-converting enzyme. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol; 44(Suppl 1):S211-5). Thus, the potentiation of plasma ANP was used as an index of the extent and duration of inhibition of peripheral NEP by the orally administered compounds.

Adult, male Wistar Han (WH) rats (body weights: 483±58 g, mean±SD; age: 9-10.5 months) were purchased from Charles River Labs. They were housed on a 12-hr light/dark cycle (light: 6 am to 6 pm) at temperature and relative humidity set points of 72° F. and 55%, respectively. Rats were provided normal chow (Harlan Teklad 8604) and water ad libitum except for a partial fast before and during an experiment. In this case, the evening before the experiment (˜5 pm) all but two of the rat's chow pellets were removed. On the morning of the experiment, any remaining food was removed. In most cases, however, both of the pellets were consumed overnight. Food was returned at the experiment terminus.

Rats were surgically instrumented with catheters to allow collection of arterial blood samples and intravenous (i.v.) administration of ANP. Rats were anesthetized and maintained in a surgical plane of anesthesia with isoflurane (2% in 100% oxygen). Ophthalmic lubricant was applied to each eye to prevent corneal irritation. Meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg s.c.) was administered for analgesia. If necessary for pain management, a second injection of meloxicam was administered on the first post-operative day. Also, a dose of penicillin G (50,000 U/kg i.m.) was administered pre-operatively to prevent infection.

Under aseptic surgical conditions, a femoral artery and vein were isolated and catheters inserted. Catheters consisted of a ˜55-cm length of Tygon (PVC) Microbore tubing (0.020″, 0.060″ O.D.) bonded with cyclohexanone to a 4.5-cm length of polyurethane (0.012″ I.D., 0.025″ O.D., Micro-Renathane type MRE-025, Braintree Scientific, Inc., Braintree, Mass.) tubing. The catheters were tunneled subcutaneously and exteriorized in the mid-dorsal thoracic/abdominal region. Catheters exited through a subcutaneously anchored tether/swivel system which allowed the animal to move unrestrained in a specialized Plexiglas cage with perforated solid flooring. Catheters were flushed with sterile 0.9% saline and locked with 200 U/mL heparin in sterile 0.9% saline after the surgery was completed.

The rats were allowed to recover for at least one week before being studied while conscious and unrestrained. Rats were infused intravenously (450 ng/kg/min) with rat ANP (ANP (1-28), Product #14-5-41, American Peptide Company, Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif.). After 1 hr of ANP infusion, rats were treated by oral gavage with 1 mL/kg of vehicle (0.5% methylcellulose+0.1% Tween 80) or a selected dose of NEP inhibitor. ANP infusion was continued for an additional 8 hr. Arterial blood samples (0.20 mL) were withdrawn from the femoral arterial cannulas at various times (baseline or time 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hr) into a collection tube containing 0.004 mL EDTA/protease inhibitor (PI) cocktail. Blood samples were centrifuged at 4° C. and 20 Kg to separate plasma. Plasma samples were aliquoted and frozen (−70° C.) for later analysis of plasma ANP and compound levels.

The blood collection cocktail consisted of broad-spectrum serine and cysteine PIs and EDTA. This combination was determined (in in vitro ANP-spiking experiments in whole blood) to prevent loss of ANP in the resulting plasma when incubated at 37° C. It also anticoagulated the blood.

The following ingredients were used for preparing the EDTA/PI cocktail:

1. EDTA-free Complete PI Cocktail Tablets (Roche Catalog #11 873 580 001)

2. K3EDTA from Vacutainer Blood Collection Tubes (Product #366450; Lavender conventional closure; ˜Volume Draw: 7 mL; Liquid Additive: K3EDTA 15% solution, 0.081 mL, 12.15 mg)

The cocktail was prepared as follows:

1. Dissolve 2 full-size PI tablets in 0.94 mL of Millipore water (final volume is 1.0 mL=100× concentrated solution). Tablets will dissolve in ˜1 min with vortexing.

2. Add 1.0 mL EDTA to the above PI solution. Vortex to mix well. Solution should be clear.

3. Divide the mixture into aliquots and freeze at −70° C. (stable for at least 12 weeks when frozen).

On the day of an experiment, a tube of EDTA/PI cocktail was thawed and stored on ice for use during the experiment. Likewise, the blood collection tubes containing this cocktail were stored on ice until the time of blood collection to minimize the breakdown of the PI.

Plasma ANP concentrations were measured with a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit (Atrial Natriuretic Factor (1-28) (human) EIA kit, S-1131; Peninsula Laboratories, Inc., San Carlos, Calif.). The frozen plasma sample was thawed on ice and 10 μL of plasma was diluted 1:10 in 1× assay buffer supplied with the kit. Ten μL of the diluted sample was then assayed. The manufacturer's instructions were followed for the assay protocol (total volume per well was expanded to 50 μl with 1× assay buffer). The linear range of the standard curves used for the extrapolation of the ANP concentration of the samples was between ˜8 and 500 pg/well. The IC₅₀ values for the standard curves were 24.5±3.6 pg/well (mean±SD).

CNS effects of NEP inhibitors were assessed in a different rat model (“Aβ model”). In this study, we have measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of Aβ as a sensitive indicator of CNS Aβ concentrations (Kwasi G. Mawuenyega, 2010, Science, Vol 330, 1774)).

Aβ Model:

Experiments were conducted in naïve adult, male, WH rats purchased from Charles River Labs (body weights: 495±53 g, mean±SD; age: 8.5-12 months) that were housed and fed as described above. Rats were treated by oral gavage with 1 mL/kg of vehicle (0.5% methylcellulose+0.1% Tween 80) or a selected dose of NEP inhibitor between 7:30 and 10:00 am. Five hours later, rats were anesthetized with isoflurane, a laparotomy was performed, and an abdominal aortic blood sample was obtained on EDTA. Blood samples were centrifuged at 4° C. and 20 K g to separate plasma. Plasma samples were aliquoted and frozen (−70° C.) for later analysis of plasma compound levels. After exsanguination of the rat, the skin and muscle overlying the cisterna magna were retracted. A sample of CSF was collected by direct needle puncture through the exposed dura into the cisterna magna. CSF was transferred to pre-chilled (on ice) low-binding tubes (Protein LoBind tubes, 1.5 mL, Order No. 022431081, Eppendorf) using low-binding pipette tips (VWR Catalog #37001-164) as quickly as possible to minimize Aβ aggregation and adherence to the devices. CSF samples were frozen (−70° C.) for later analysis of Aβ levels

Aβ40 in CSF was quantified using the MesoScale Discovery (MSD, Gaithersburg, Md.) 96-well MULTI-ARRAY Human/Rodent (4G8) Aβ40 Ultra-Sensitive Kit (K110FTE-2). The assay was done according to the manufacturer's instructions except for the standard curve and the sample preparation. A-10 μL aliquot of each CSF sample was mixed with 190 μL 1% BSA/1× Tris solution (“Blocker A” from kit) for a 1:20 CSF dilution. Synthetic Aβ1-40 peptide (from kit) was serially diluted in 1% BSA/1× Tris solution to obtain standards from 10,000-10 pg/mL for an 8-point standard curve.

MSD MULTI-SPOT Aβ40 peptide plates from the kit were incubated for 1 hour after pipetting 150 μL/well 1% BSA/1× Tris solution. The plates were washed 3 times with 400 μL 1× Tris wash buffer (from kit) using a BioTek EL406 automated plate washer (Winooski, Vt.). For CSF samples and standards, 25 μL of a 1×SULFO-TAG 4G8 detection antibody/1× “Blocker G”/1% BSA/1× Tris solution (“detection antibody solution” from kit) was pipetted into the plate. CSF samples and standards were pipetted at 25 μL/well into the plates immediately following detection antibody solution additions. The plates were incubated for 2 hours and washed 3 times with 400 μL 1× Tris wash buffer using the EL406 automated plate washer. “Read buffer T” (from kit), 1×150 μL/well, was pipetted into the plates. The MSD plates were read immediately on the MSD SECTOR Imager 6000 reader.

Standards were assayed in triplicate. CSF samples were assayed in duplicate. Curve fitting, back-calculation, % recovery, and interpolation of sample concentrations were performed using MSD DISCOVERY WORKBENCH Data Analysis Tools 3.0 Software. Signal generated by the standards was plotted and fit using the 4-parameter logistical curve fitting option with a 1/y² weighting function. Sample pg/mL concentrations were interpolated from the fit curve. The assay lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 10 pg/mL and the upper limit of quantification (ULOQ) was 10,000 pg/mL. The definition of LLOQ and ULOQ is % recovery±20% and CV<20%. Sample pg/mL concentrations were converted to pmol/mL based on a molecular weight of 4329.8 g/mol.

Plasma Compound Concentrations

An LC-MS/MS method was used to detect NEP inhibitors (prodrug of Example 1 of instant invention and its active drug: Example 2 of instant invention, Example 1-2 (WO2010/136493) and its active drug: Example 11-1 (WO2010/136493), Example 1-17 (WO02010/136493) and its active drug: Example 11-39 (WO2010/136493) in plasma. An aliquot (25 μL) of rat plasma treated with Example 1 of instant invention, Example 1-2 (WO2010/136493), or Example 1-17 (WO2010/136493), was subjected to protein precipitation using 150 μL of acetonitrile containing 100 ng/mL of internal standard (glyburide). The samples were vortex mixed briefly and centrifuged at 40000 rpm for up to 10 minutes. The supernatant (125 μL) was then transferred to a 1-mL 96-well plate, followed by the addition of 50 μL of water. The analysis was conducted by using HPLC separation coupled with mass spectrometric detection.

A Shimadzu LC-20AC binary HPLC pump with SIL-20AC autosampler (Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan) was used for all LC separations. The chromatographic separation of analytes was achieved on an ACE® C18 column (MacMod, Chadds Ford, Pa.) (3 μm, 2.1×30 mm) from MAC-MOD Analytical, Inc. (Chadds Ford, Pa.), in conjunction with fast gradient conditions and mobile phases A (water containing 0.1% formic acid) and B (acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid). A Triple Quadrupole (MS/MS) mass spectrometer equipped with a Turbo Ionspray interface (Sciex API4000; Applied Biosystems, Framingham, Mass.) was used for detection. The instrument was operated in the positive (Pos) or negative (Neg) ion multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode employing nitrogen as a collision gas. The following MRM transitions for both prodrugs and active drugs were monitored: m/z 613.28→425.12 for Example 1 of instant invention (Neg); m/z 442.33→133.89 for Example 2 of the instant invention (Neg); m/z 418.42→231.12 for Example 1-2 (WO2010/136493) (Pos); m/z 390.75→256.14 for Example 11-1 (WO02010/136493) (Pos); m/z 436.4→248.0 for Example 1-17 (WO2010/136493) (Pos); m/z 408.10 248.03 for Example 11.39 (WO2010/136493) (Pos); and m/z 494.2→169.2 (Pos) or 492.13→169.84 (Neg) for glyburide (ISTD). Data were acquired and processed by Sciex Analyst 1.4.2 software.

Standard regression and back-calculation of unknown concentrations were performed using Thermo Watson 7.3 software purchased from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (Philadelphia, Pa.). Quantification of the parent compound was based on a calibration curve consisting of at least 5 points. The calibration standard curve range was set from 1 ng/mL (LLOQ) to 10,000 ng/mL (ULOQ) for Example 1 and Example 2 of instant invention, Example 1-2 and Example 11-1 of WO2010/136493; 0.1 ng/mL (LLOQ) to 5,000 ng/mL (ULOQ) for Example 1-17 of WO2010/136493 and to 10,000 ng/mL (ULOQ) for Example 11-39 of WO2010/136493. The bias of all calibration standards and quality control samples was within the acceptance criteria of ±30%.

The conversion of prodrugs to active drugs was >97% for all examples and experiments herein.

We have determined the relative peripheral and CNS inhibitory effects of NEP inhibitor of the instant invention and compared these inhibitory effects to the compound of Example 1-17 and 1-2 disclosed in WO 2010/136493.

Results:

Plasma ANP concentrations were 10.7±2.8 ng/mL (mean±SD) at baseline (post-ANP, pre-treatment). Compound treatment (Example 1-2 of WO2010/136493: 0.03-3 mg/kg p.o.; Example 1-17 of WO2010/136493: 0.01-3 mg/kg p.o.; Example 1 of instant invention: 0.3-3 mg/kg p.o.) rapidly (0.5-1 hr) and dose-dependently increased plasma ANP concentrations to a steady-state level, which remained elevated for the duration of the experiment. The average plasma compound and ANP concentrations between 4 and 6 hr post-dosing were used to generate exposure-response relationships.

After vehicle dosing, CSF Aβ concentrations were ˜0.6 pmol/mL. Compounds were administered at the following doses: Example 1-2 of WO2010/136493 (0.1-30 mg/kg p.o.), Example 1-17 of WO2010/136493 (1-30 mg/kg p.o.) and Example 1 of instant invention (3-30 mg/kg p.o.). The plasma compound and CSF Aβ concentrations at 5 hr post-dosing were used to generate exposure-response relationships.

Linear regression was applied to the plasma compound exposure vs. plasma ANP (% of baseline ANP) or CSF Aβ (% of Aβ vehicle controls) response relationships. The plasma compound concentrations corresponding to plasma ANP increases near the top of the exposure-response relationships (200 to 240% of baseline) were derived for each compound. These compound concentrations were then applied to the exposure-Aβ linear regression relationships to estimate the Aβ (% vehicle control) values corresponding to the respective ANPs (% baseline). As shown in the table, Example 1 exhibited minimal increases in Aβ at all plasma ANP increases. In contrast, 4-fold and 5- to 9-fold higher % increases in CSF Aβ were observed for compounds of Examples 1-17 and 1-2 of WO 2010/136493, respectively.

TABLE 2 CSF Aβ (% vehicle control) corresponding to various increases in plasma ANP concentration by compound of Example 1 of the instant invention compared to compounds of Example 1-2 and 1-17 of WO 2010/136493. Plasma ANP (% baseline) Compound 200 210 220 230 240 Example 1 114 120 126 132 139 Example 1-17 156 179 202 225 248 (WO2010/136493) Example 1-2 225 242 260 211 295 (WO2010/136493)

In one embodiment, the compounds of the instant invention elicit a CSF Aβ increase of less than 25%, or less than 20% or less than 15% at exposures inducing 200% ANP potentiation.

The compound of the present invention may be administered either simultaneously with, or before or after, one or more other therapeutic agents. The compound of the present invention may be administered separately, by the same or different route of administration, or together in the same pharmaceutical composition as the other agents.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a product comprising a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and at least one other therapeutic agent as a combined preparation for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in therapy. In one embodiment, the therapy is the treatment of a disease or condition associated with neutral endopeptidase activity.

Products provided as a combined preparation include a composition comprising the compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and the other therapeutic agent(s) together in the same pharmaceutical composition, or the compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and the other therapeutic agent(s) in separate form, e.g. in the form of a kit.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and another therapeutic agent(s). Optionally, the pharmaceutical composition may comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, as described above.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a kit comprising two or more separate pharmaceutical compositions, at least one of which contains a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In one embodiment, the kit comprises means for separately retaining said compositions, such as a container, divided bottle, or divided foil packet. An example of such a kit is a blister pack, as typically used for the packaging of tablets, capsules and the like.

The kit of the invention may be used for administering different dosage forms, for example, oral and parenteral, for administering the separate compositions at different dosage intervals, or for titrating the separate compositions against one another. To assist compliance, the kit of the invention typically comprises directions for administration.

In the combination therapies of the invention, the compound of the invention and the other therapeutic agent may be manufactured and/or formulated by the same or different manufacturers. Moreover, the compound of the invention and the other therapeutic may be brought together into a combination therapy: (i) prior to release of the combination product to physicians (e.g. in the case of a kit comprising the compound of the invention and the other therapeutic agent); (ii) by the physician themselves (or under the guidance of the physician) shortly before administration; (ii) in the patient themselves, e.g. during sequential administration of the compound of the invention and the other therapeutic agent. Accordingly, the invention provides the use of a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for treating a disease or condition associated with neutral endopeptidase activity, wherein the medicament is prepared for administration with another therapeutic agent. The invention also provides the use of another therapeutic agent for treating a disease or condition associated with neutral endopeptidase activity, wherein the medicament is administered with a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The invention also provides a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in a method of treating a disease or condition associated with neutral endopeptidase activity, wherein the compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is prepared for administration with another therapeutic agent. The invention also provides another therapeutic agent for use in a method of treating a disease or condition associated with neutral endopeptidase activity, wherein the other therapeutic agent is prepared for administration with a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also provides a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in a method of treating a disease or condition associated with neutral endopeptidase activity, wherein the compound according to any one of formulae I to IV or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is administered with another therapeutic agent. The invention also provides another therapeutic agent for use in a method of treating a disease or condition associated with neutral endopeptidase activity, wherein the other therapeutic agent is administered with a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The invention also provides the use of a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for treating a disease or condition associated with neutral endopeptidase activity, wherein the patient has previously (e.g. within 24 hours) been treated with another therapeutic agent. The invention also provides the use of another therapeutic agent for treating a disease or condition associated with neutral endopeptidase activity, wherein the patient has previously (e.g. within 24 hours) been treated with a compound according to any one of formulae I to IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In one embodiment, the other therapeutic agent is selected from:

In one embodiment, the other therapeutic agent is selected from: HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitor, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs, angiotensin II receptor antagonist), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, a calcium channel blocker (CCB), an endothelin antagonist, a renin inhibitor, a diuretic, an ApoA-I mimic, an anti-diabetic agent, an obesity-reducing agent, an aldosterone receptor blocker, an endothelin receptor blocker, an aldosterone synthase inhibitor (ASI), a CETP inhibitor and a phophodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.

The term “in combination with” a second agent or treatment includes co-administration of the compound of the invention (e.g., a compound according to any one of Formulae I-IV or a compound otherwise described herein) with the second agent or treatment, administration of the compound of the invention first, followed by the second agent or treatment and administration of the second agent or treatment first, followed by the compound of the invention.

The term “second agent” includes any agent which is known in the art to treat, prevent, or reduce the symptoms of a disease or disorder described herein, e.g. a disorder or disease responsive to the inhibition of neutral endopeptidase, such as for example, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, resistant hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, angina, renal insufficiency (diabetic or non-diabetic), renal failure (including edema and salt retention), diabetic nephropathy, non-diabetic nephropathy, contrast induced nephropathy, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, scleroderma, glomerular sclerosis, proteinurea of primary renal disease, renal vascular hypertension, diabetic retinopathy and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), endothelial dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation (AF), cardiac fibrosis, atrial flutter, detrimental vascular remodeling, plaque stabilization, myocardial infarction (MI), renal fibrosis, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), renal failure (including edema and salt retention), cyclical oedema, Menière's disease, hyperaldosteronism (primary and secondary), hypercalciuria, ascites, glaucoma, menstrual disorders, preterm labour, pre-eclampsia, endometriosis, reproductive disorders (especially male and female infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, implantation failure), asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, inflammation, leukemia, pain, epilepsy, affective disorders such as depression and psychotic condition such as dementia and geriatric confusion, obesity and gastrointestinal disorders (especially diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome), wound healing (especially diabetic and venous ulcers and pressure sores), septic shock, the modulation of gastric acid secretion, the treatment of hyperreninaemia, cystic fibrosis, restenosis, type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, diabetic complications, atherosclerosis, and male and female sexual dysfunction.

Examples of second agents include HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers (CCB), endothelin antagonists, renin inhibitors, diuretics, ApoA-I mimics, anti-diabetic agents, obesity-reducing agents, aldosterone receptor blockers, endothelin receptor blockers, aldosterone synthase inhibitors (ASI), phophodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and CETP inhibitors.

The term “HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitor” (also called beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl-co-enzyme-A reductase inhibitors) includes active agents that may be used to lower the lipid levels including cholesterol in blood. Examples include atorvastatin, cerivastatin, compactin, dalvastatin, dihydrocompactin, fluindostatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, mevastatin, pravastatin, rivastatin, simvastatin, and velostatin, or, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The term “ACE-inhibitor” (also called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors) includes molecules that interrupt the enzymatic degradation of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Such compounds may be used for the regulation of blood pressure and for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Examples include alacepril, benazepril, benazeprilat, captopril, ceronapril, cilazapril, delapril, enalapril, enaprilat, fosinopril, imidapril, lisinopril, moveltopril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, spirapril, temocapril, and trandolapril, or, pharmaceutically acceptables salt thereof.

The term “endothelin antagonist” includes bosentan (cf. EP 526708 A), tezosentan (cf. WO 96/19459), or, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The term “renin inhibitor” includes ditekiren (chemical name: [1S-[1R*,2R*,4R*(1R*,2R*)]]-1-[(1,1-dimethylethoxy)carbonyl]-L-proly I-L-phenylalanyl-N-[2-hydroxy-5-methyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)-4-[[[2-methyl-1-[[(2-pyridinylmethyl)amino]carbonyl]butyl]amino]carbonyl]hexyl]-N-alfa-methyl-L-histidinamide); terlakiren (chemical name: [R-(R*,S*)]-N-(4-morpholinylcarbonyl)-L-phenylalanyl-N-[1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-2-hydroxy-3-(1-methylethoxy)-3-oxopropyl]-S-methyl-L-cysteineamide); aliskiren (chemical name: (2S,4S,5S,7S)-5-amino-N-(2-carbamoyl-2,2-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-7-{[4-methoxy-3-(3-methoxypropoxy) phenyl]methyl}-8-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)nonanamide) and zankiren (chemical name: [1S-[1R*[R*(R*)],2S*,3R*]]-N-[1-(cyclohexyl methyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-5-methyl hexyl]-alfa-[[2-[[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)sulfonyl]methyl]-1-oxo-3-phenylpropyl]-amino]-4-thiazolepropanamide), or, hydrochloride salts thereof, or, SPP630, SPP635 and SPP800 as developed by Speedel, or RO 66-1132 and RO 66-1168 of Formula (A) and (B):

or, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The term “aliskiren”, if not defined specifically, is to be understood both as the free base and as a salt thereof, especially a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, most preferably a hemi-fumarate salt thereof.

An angiotensin II receptor antagonist or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is understood to be an active ingredient which binds to the AT₁-receptor subtype of angiotensin II receptor but does not result in activation of the receptor. As a consequence of the inhibition of the AT₁ receptor, these antagonists can, for example, be employed as antihypertensives or for treating congestive heart failure.

The class of AT₁ receptor antagonists comprises compounds having differing structural features, essentially preferred are the non-peptidic ones. For example, mention may be made of the compounds which are selected from the group consisting of valsartan, losartan, candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, saprisartan, tasosartan, telmisartan, the compound with the designation E-1477 of the following formula

the compound with the designation SC-52458 of the following formula

and the compound with the designation ZD-8731 of the following formula

or, in each case, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Preferred AT₁-receptor antagonists are those agents which have been marketed, most preferred is valsartan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The term “calcium channel blocker (CCB)” includes dihydropyridines (DHPs) and non-DHPs (e.g., diltiazem-type and verapamil-type CCBs). Examples include amlodipine, felodipine, ryosidine, isradipine, lacidipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, niguldipine, niludipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine, nitrendipine, and nivaldipine, and is preferably a non-DHP representative selected from the group consisting of flunarizine, prenylamine, diltiazem, fendiline, gallopamil, mibefradil, anipamil, tiapamil and verapamil, or, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. CCBs may be used as anti-hypertensive, anti-angina pectoris, or anti-arrhythmic drugs.

The term “diuretic” includes thiazide derivatives (e.g., chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, methylclothiazide, and chlorothalidon).

The term “ApoA-I mimic” includes D4F peptides (e.g., formula D-W-F-K-A-F-Y-D-K-V-A-E-K-F-K-E-A-F).

The term “anti-diabetic agent” includes insulin secretion enhancers that promote the secretion of insulin from pancreatic-cells. Examples include biguanide derivatives (e.g., metformin), sulfonylureas (SU) (e.g., tolbutamide, chlorpropamide, tolazamide, acetohexamide, 4-chloro-N-[(1-pyrrolidinylamino)carbonyl]-benzensulfonamide (glycopyramide), glibenclamide (glyburide), gliclazide, 1-butyl-3-metanilylurea, carbutamide, glibonuride, glipizide, gliquidone, glisoxepid, glybuthiazole, glibuzole, glyhexamide, glymidine, glypinamide, phenbutamide, and tolylcyclamide), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Further examples include phenylalanine derivatives (e.g., nateglinide [N-(trans-4-isopropylcyclohexylcarbonyl)-D-phenylalanine] (cf. EP 196222 and EP 526171) of the formula

repaglinide [(S)-2-ethoxy-4-[2-[[3-methyl-1-[2-(1-piperidinyl)phenyl]butyl]amino]-2-oxoethyl]benzoic acid] (cf. EP 589874, EP 147850 A2, in particular Example 11 on page 61, and EP 207331 A1); calcium (2S)-2-benzyl-3-(cis-hexahydro-2-isoindolinlycarbonyl)-propionate dihydrate (e.g., mitiglinide (cf. EP 507534)); and glimepiride (cf. EP 31058). Further examples include DPP-IV inhibitors, GLP-1 and GLP-1 agonists.

DPP-IV is responsible for inactivating GLP-1. More particularly, DPP-IV generates a GLP-1 receptor antagonist and thereby shortens the physiological response to GLP-1. GLP-1 is a major stimulator of pancreatic insulin secretion and has direct beneficial effects on glucose disposal.

The DPP-IV inhibitor can be peptidic or, preferably, non-peptidic. DPP-IV inhibitors are in each case generically and specifically disclosed e.g. in WO 98/19998, DE 196 16 486 A1, WO 00/34241 and WO 95/15309, in each case in particular in the compound claims and the final products of the working examples, the subject-matter of the final products, the pharmaceutical preparations and the claims are hereby incorporated into the present application by reference to these publications. Preferred are those compounds that are specifically disclosed in Example 3 of WO 98/19998 and Example 1 of WO 00/34241, respectively. Other examples of DPP-IV inhibitor currently on the market are saxagliptin, sitagliptin, vidagliptin, and linagluptin.

GLP-1 is an insulinotropic protein which is described, e.g., by W. E. Schmidt et al. in Diabetologia, 28, 1985, 704-707 and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,483.

The term “GLP-1 agonists” includes variants and analogs of GLP-1(7-36)NH₂ which are disclosed in particular in U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,712, U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,666, U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,549, WO 91/11457 and by C. Orskov et al in J. Biol. Chem. 264 (1989) 12826. Further examples include GLP-1(7-37), in which compound the carboxy-terminal amide functionality of Arg³⁶ is displaced with Gly at the 37^(th) position of the GLP-1(7-36)NH₂ molecule and variants and analogs thereof including GLN⁹-GLP-1(7-37), D-GLN⁹-GLP-1(7-37), acetyl LYS⁹-GLP-1(7-37), LYS18-GLP-1(7-37) and, in particular, GLP-1(7-37)OH, VAL⁸-GLP-1(7-37), GLY⁸-GLP-1(7-37), THR⁸-GLP-1(7-37), MET⁸-GLP-1(7-37) and 4-imidazopropionyl-GLP-1. Special preference is also given to the GLP agonist analog exendin-4, described by Greig et al. in Diabetologia 1999, 42, 45-50.

Also included in the definition “anti-diabetic agent” are insulin sensitivity enhancers which restore impaired insulin receptor function to reduce insulin resistance and consequently enhance the insulin sensitivity. Examples include hypoglycemic thiazolidinedione derivatives (e.g., glitazone, (S)-((3,4-dihydro-2-(phenyl-methyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-6-yl)methyl-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (englitazone), 5-{[4-(3-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)-1-oxopropyl)-phenyl]-methyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (darglitazone), 5-{[4-(1-methyl-cyclohexyl)methoxy)-phenyl]methyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (ciglitazone), 5-{[4-(2-(1-indolyl)ethoxy)phenyl]methyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (DRF2189), 5-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)-ethoxy)]benzyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (BM-13.1246), 5-(2-naphthylsulfonyl)-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (AY-31637), bis{4-[(2,4-dioxo-5-thiazolidinyl)methyl]phenyl}methane (YM268), 5-{4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)-2-hydroxyethoxy]benzyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (AD-5075), 5-[4-(1-phenyl-1-cyclopropanecarbonylamino)-benzyl]-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (DN-108) 5-{[4-(2-(2,3-dihydroindol-1-yl)ethoxy)phenyl]methyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione, 5-[3-(4-chloro-phenyl])-2-propynyl]-5-phenylsulfonyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione, 5-[3-(4-chlorophenyl])-2-propynyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl-sulfonyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione, 5-{[4-(2-(methyl-2-pyridinyl-amino)-ethoxy)phenyl]methyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (rosiglitazone), 5-{[4-(2-(5-ethyl-2-pyridyl)ethoxy)phenyl]methyl}thiazolidine-2,4-dione (pioglitazone), 5-{[4-((3,4-dihydro-6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl)methoxy)-phenyl]-methyl}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (troglitazone), 5-[6-(2-fluoro-benzyloxy)naphthalen-2-ylmethyl]-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (MCC555), 5-{[2-(2-naphthyl)-benzoxazol-5-yl]-methyl}thiazolidine-2,4-dione (T-174) and 5-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)-2-methoxy-N-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)benzamide (KRP297)).

Further anti-diabetic agents include, insulin signalling pathway modulators, like inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases), antidiabetic non-small molecule mimetic compounds and inhibitors of glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT); compounds influencing a dysregulated hepatic glucose production, like inhibitors of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6 Pase), inhibitors of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (F-1,6-Bpase), inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylase (GP), glucagon receptor antagonists and inhibitors of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK); pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDHK) inhibitors; inhibitors of gastric emptying; insulin; inhibitors of GSK-3; retinoid X receptor (RxR) agonists; agonists of Beta-3 AR; agonists of uncoupling proteins (UCPs); non-glitazone type PPARγ agonists; dual PPARα/PPARγ agonists; antidiabetic vanadium containing compounds; incretin hormones, like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and GLP-1 agonists; beta-cell imidazoline receptor antagonists; miglitol; α₂-adrenergic antagonists; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The term “obesity-reducing agent” includes lipase inhibitors (e.g., orlistat) and appetite suppressants (e.g., sibutramine and phentermine).

An aldosterone synthase inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is understood to be an active ingredient that has the property to inhibit the production of aldosterone. Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) is a mitochondrial cytochrome P450 enzyme catalyzing the last step of aldosterone production in the adrenal cortex, i.e., the conversion of 11-deoxycorticosterone to aldosterone. The inhibition of the aldosterone production with so-called aldosterone synthase inhibitors is known to be a successful variant to treatment of hypokalemia, hypertension, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation or renal failure. Such aldosterone synthase inhibition activity is readily determined by those skilled in the art according to standard assays (e.g., US 2007/0049616).

The class of aldosterone synthase inhibitors comprises both steroidal and non-steroidal aldosterone synthase inhibitors, the latter being most preferred.

Preference is given to commercially available aldosterone synthase inhibitors or those aldosterone synthase inhibitors that have been approved by the health authorities.

The class of aldosterone synthase inhibitors comprises compounds having differing structural features. For example, mention may be made of the compounds which are selected from the group consisting of the non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors anastrozole, fadrozole (including the (+)-enantiomer thereof), as well as the steroidal aromatase inhibitor exemestane, or, in each case where applicable, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The most preferred non-steroidal aldosterone synthase inhibitor is the (+)-enantiomer of the hydrochloride of fadrozole (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,617,307 and 4,889,861) of formula

or, if appropriable, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

A preferred steroidal aldosterone antagonist is eplerenone (cf. EP 122232 A) of the formula

or spironolactone; or, in each case, if appropriable, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Aldosterone synthase inhibitors useful in said combination are compounds and analogs generically and specifically disclosed e.g. in US2007/0049616, in particular in the compound claims and the final products of the working examples, the subject-matter of the final products, the pharmaceutical preparations and the claims are hereby incorporated into the present application by reference to this publication. Preferred aldosterone synthase inhibitors suitable for use in the present invention include, without limitation 4-(6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazol-5-yl)-3-methylbenzonitrile; 5-(2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-5-carboxylic acid (4-methoxybenzyl)methylamide; 4′-fluoro-6-(6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[1,5-a]azepin-5-yl)biphenyl-3-carbonitrile; 5-(4-Cyano-2-methoxyphenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-5-carboxylic acid butyl ester; 4-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazol-5-yl)-2-methoxybenzonitrile; 5-(2-Chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-5-carboxylic acid 4-fluorobenzyl ester; 5-(4-Cyano-2-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-5-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 5-(4-Cyano-2-methoxyphenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-5-carboxylic acid 2-isopropoxyethyl ester; 4-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazol-5-yl)-2-methylbenzonitrile; 4-(6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazol-5-yl)-3-fluorobenzonitrile; 4-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazol-5-yl)-2-methoxybenzonitrile; 3-Fluoro-4-(7-methylene-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazol-5-yl)benzonitrile; cis-3-Fluoro-4-[7-(4-fluoro-benzyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-5-yl]benzonitrile; 4′-Fluoro-6-(9-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[1,5-a]azepin-5-yl)biphenyl-3-carbonitrile; 4′-Fluoro-6-(9-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[1,5-a]azepin-5-yl)biphenyl-3-carbonitrile or in each case, the (R) or (S) enantiomer thereof; or if appropriable, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The term aldosterone synthase inhibitors also include compounds and analogs disclosed in WO2008/076860, WO2008/076336, WO2008/076862, WO2008/027284, WO2004/046145, WO2004/014914, WO2001/076574.

Furthermore aldosterone synthase inhibitors also include compounds and analogs disclosed in U.S. patent applications US2007/0225232, US2007/0208035, US2008/0318978, US2008/0076794, US2009/0012068, US20090048241 and in PCT applications WO2006/005726, WO2006/128853, WO2006128851, WO2006/128852, WO2007065942, WO2007/116099, WO2007/116908, WO2008/119744 and in European patent application EP 1886695. Preferred aldosterone synthase inhibitors suitable for use in the present invention include, without limitation 8-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-8H-imidazo[5,1-c][1,4]oxazine; 4-(5,6-Dihydro-8H-imidazo[5,1-c][1,4]oxazin-8-yl)-2-fluorobenzonitrile; 4-(5,6-Dihydro-8H-imidazo[5,1-c][1,4]oxazin-8-yl)-2,6-difluorobenzonitrile; 4-(5,6-Dihydro-8H-imidazo[5,1-c][1,4]oxazin-8-yl)-2-methoxybenzonitrile; 3-(5,6-Dihydro-8H-imidazo[5,1-c][1,4]oxazin-8-yl)benzonitrile; 4-(5,6-Dihydro-8H-imidazo[5,1-c][1,4]oxazin-8-yl)phthalonitrile; 4-(8-(4-Cyanophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-8H-imidazo[5,1-c][1,4]oxazin-8-yl)benzonitrile; 4-(5,6-Dihydro-8H-imidazo[5,1-c][1,4]oxazin-8-yl)benzonitrile; 4-(5,6-Dihydro-8H-imidazo[5,1-c][1,4]oxazin-8-yl)naphthalene-1-carbonitrile; 8-[4-(1H-Tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]-5,6-dihydro-8H-imidazo[5,1-c][1,4]oxazine as developed by Speedel or in each case, the (R) or (S) enantiomer thereof; or if appropriable, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Aldosterone synthase inhibitors useful in said combination are compounds and analogs generically and specifically disclosed e.g. in WO 2009/156462 and WO 2010/130796, in particular in the compound claims and the final products of the working examples, the subject-matter of the final products, the pharmaceutical preparations and the claims.

Preferred aldosterone synthase inhibitors suitable for combination in the present invention include, 3-(6-Fluoro-3-methyl-2-pyridin-3-yl-1H-indol-1-ylmethyl)-benzonitrile hydrochloride, 1-(4-Methanesulfonyl-benzyl)-3-methyl-2-pyridin-3-yl-1H-indole, 2-(5-Benzyloxy-pyridin-3-yl)-6-chloro-1-methyl-1H-indole, 5-(3-Cyano-1-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-nicotinic acid ethyl ester, N-[5-(6-chloro-3-cyano-1-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-pyridin-3-ylmethyl]-ethanesulfonamide, Pyrrolidine-1-sulfonic acid 5-(6-chloro-3-cyano-1-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-pyridin-3-yl ester, N-Methyl-N-[5-(1-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-pyridin-3-ylmethyl]-methanesulfonamide, 6-Chloro-1-methyl-2-{5-[(2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-ethylamino)-methyl]-pyridin-3-yl}-1H-indole-3-carbonitrile, 6-Chloro-2-[5-(4-methanesulfonyl-piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-pyridin-3-yl]-1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carbonitrile, 6-Chloro-1-methyl-2-{5-[(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylamino)-methyl]-pyridin-3-yl}-1H-indole-3-carbonitrile, Morpholine-4-carboxylic acid [5-(6-chloro-3-cyano-1-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-pyridin-3-ylmethyl]-amide, N-[5-(6-Chloro-1-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-pyridin-3-ylmethy]-ethanesulfonamide, C,C,C-Trifluoro-N-[5-(1-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-pyridin-3-ylmethyl]-methanesulfonamide, N-[5-(3-Chloro-4-cyano-phenyl)-pyridin-3-yl]-4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonamide, N-[5-(3-Chloro-4-cyano-phenyl)-pyridin-3-yl]-1-phenyl-methanesulfonamide, N-(5-(3-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)pyridin-3-yl)butane-1-sulfonamide, N-(1-(5-(4-cyano-3-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl)ethyl)ethanesulfonamide, N-((5-(3-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)pyridin-3-yl)(cyclopropyl)methyl)ethanesulfonamide, N-(cyclopropyl(5-(1H-indol-5-yl)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)ethanesulfonamide, N-(cyclopropyl(5-naphtalen-1-yl-pyridin-3-yl)methyl)ethanesulfonamide, Ethanesulfonic acid [5-(6-chloro-1-methyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-2-yl)-pyridin-3-ylmethyl]-amide and Ethanesulfonic acid {[5-(3-chloro-4-cyano-phenyl)-pyridin-3-yl]-cyclopropyl-methyl}-ethyl-amide.

The term “endothelin receptor blocker” includes bosentan.

The term “CETP inhibitor” refers to a compound that inhibits the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mediated transport of various cholesteryl esters and triglycerides from HDL to LDL and VLDL. Such CETP inhibition activity is readily determined by those skilled in the art according to standard assays (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,343). Examples include compounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,343 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,197,786 (e.g., [2R,4S]4-[(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-methoxycarbonyl-amino]-2-ethyl-6-trifluoromethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-quinoline-1-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (torcetrapib); compounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,723,752 (e.g., (2R)-3-{[3-(4-Chloro-3-ethyl-phenoxy)-phenyl]-[[3-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-ethoxy)-phenyl]-methyl]-amino}-1,1,1-trifluoro-2-propanol); compounds disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/807,838; polypeptide derivatives disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,548; rosenonolactone derivatives and phosphate-containing analogs of cholesteryl ester disclosed in J. Antibiot, 49(8): 815-816 (1996), and Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett; 6:1951-1954 (1996), respectively. Furthermore, the CETP inhibitors also include those disclosed in WO2000/017165, WO2005/095409 and WO2005/097806.

CETP inhibitors useful in said combination are compounds and analogs generically and specifically disclosed e.g. in WO 2008/009435, WO 2009/059943 and WO 2009/071509, in particular in the compound claims and the final products of the working examples, the subject-matter of the final products, the pharmaceutical preparations and the claims.

Examples of phophodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are sildenafil, avanafil, iodenafil, mirodenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and udenafil.

Second agent of particular interest include endothelin antagonists, renin inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, phophodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors calcium channel blockers, diuretics, antidiabetic agents such as DPPIV inhibitors, and aldosterone synthase inhibitors.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a combination, in particular a pharmaceutical combination, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the compound according to the definition of formula I, II, III or IV a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and one or more therapeutically active agents selected from HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers (CCB), endothelin antagonists, renin inhibitors, diuretics, ApoA-I mimics, anti-diabetic agents, obesity-reducing agents, aldosterone receptor blockers, endothelin receptor blockers, aldosterone synthase inhibitors (ASI), CETP inhibitors and phophodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of inhibiting neutral endopeptidase activity in a subject, wherein the method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the compound according to the definition of formula I, II, III or IV or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a disorder or a disease in a subject associated with neutral endopeptidase activity, wherein the method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the compound according to the definition of formula I, II, III or IV or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a disorder or a disease in a subject associated with neutral endopeptidase activity, wherein the disorder or the disease is selected from hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, resistant hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, angina, renal insufficiency (diabetic or non-diabetic), renal failure (including edema and salt retention), diabetic nephropathy, non-diabetic nephropathy, contrast induced nephropathy, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, scleroderma, glomerular sclerosis, proteinurea of primary renal disease, renal vascular hypertension, diabetic retinopathy and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), endothelial dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation (AF), cardiac fibrosis, atrial flutter, detrimental vascular remodeling, plaque stabilization, myocardial infarction (MI), renal fibrosis, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), renal failure (including edema and salt retention), cyclical oedema, Menière's disease, hyperaldosteronism (primary and secondary), hypercalciuria, ascites, glaucoma, menstrual disorders, preterm labour, pre-eclampsia, endometriosis, and reproductive disorders (especially male and female infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, implantation failure), asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, inflammation, leukemia, pain, epilepsy, affective disorders such as depression and psychotic condition such as dementia and geriatric confusion, obesity and gastrointestinal disorders (especially diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome), wound healing (especially diabetic and venous ulcers and pressure sores), septic shock, gastric acid secretion dysfunction, hyperreninaemia, cystic fibrosis, restenosis, type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, diabetic complications, atherosclerosis and male and female sexual dysfunction. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a disorder or a disease in a subject associated with neutral endopeptidase activity, wherein the disorder or the disease is selected from hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, resistant hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a compound according to the definition of formula I, II, III or IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use as a medicament.

In one embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compound according to the definition of formula I, II, III or IV or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the treatment of a disorder or disease in a subject associated with neutral endopeptidase activity.

In one embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compound according to the definition of formula I, II, III or IV, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a disorder or disease in a subject characterized by an activity of neutral endopeptidase, wherein said disorder or disease is in particular selected from hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, resistant hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, angina, renal insufficiency (diabetic or non-diabetic), renal failure (including edema and salt retention), diabetic nephropathy, non-diabetic nephropathy, contrast induced nephropathy, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, scleroderma, glomerular sclerosis, proteinurea of primary renal disease, renal vascular hypertension, diabetic retinopathy and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), endothelial dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation (AF), cardiac fibrosis, atrial flutter, detrimental vascular remodeling, plaque stabilization, myocardial infarction (MI), renal fibrosis, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), renal failure (including edema and salt retention), cyclical oedema, Menière's disease, hyperaldosteronism (primary and secondary), hypercalciuria, ascites, glaucoma, menstrual disorders, preterm labour, pre-eclampsia, endometriosis, and reproductive disorders (especially male and female infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, implantation failure), asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, inflammation, leukemia, pain, epilepsy, affective disorders such as depression and psychotic condition such as dementia and geriatric confusion, obesity and gastrointestinal disorders (especially diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome), wound healing (especially diabetic and venous ulcers and pressure sores), septic shock, gastric acid secretion dysfunction, hyperreninaemia, cystic fibrosis, restenosis, type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, diabetic complications, atherosclerosis, and male and female sexual dysfunction. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compound according to the definition of formula I, II, III or IV, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a disorder or disease in a subject characterized by an activity of neutral endopeptidase, wherein said disorder or disease is in particular selected hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, resistant hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

In one embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compound according to the definition of formula I, II, III or IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the treatment of a disorder or disease in a subject characterized by an activity of neutral endopeptidase, wherein the disorder or disease is selected from hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, resistant hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, angina, renal insufficiency (diabetic or non-diabetic), renal failure (including edema and salt retention), diabetic nephropathy, non-diabetic nephropathy, contrast induced nephropathy, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, scleroderma, glomerular sclerosis, proteinurea of primary renal disease, renal vascular hypertension, diabetic retinopathy and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), endothelial dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation (AF), cardiac fibrosis, atrial flutter, detrimental vascular remodeling, plaque stabilization, myocardial infarction (MI), renal fibrosis, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), renal failure (including edema and salt retention), cyclical oedema, Menière's disease, hyperaldosteronism (primary and secondary), hypercalciuria, ascites, glaucoma, menstrual disorders, preterm labour, pre-eclampsia, endometriosis, reproductive disorders (especially male and female infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, implantation failure), asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, inflammation, leukemia, pain, epilepsy, affective disorders such as depression and psychotic condition such as dementia and geriatric confusion, obesity and gastrointestinal disorders (especially diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome), wound healing (especially diabetic and venous ulcers and pressure sores), septic shock, gastric acid secretion dysfunction, hyperreninaemia, cystic fibrosis, restenosis, type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, diabetic complications, atherosclerosis, and male and female sexual dysfunction, and more particularly the disease or disorder is selected from hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, resistant hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

EXEMPLIFICATION OF THE INVENTION

The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention and are not to be construed as being limitations thereon. Temperatures are given in degrees centigrade. If not mentioned otherwise, all evaporations are performed under reduced pressure, typically between about 15 mm Hg and 100 mm Hg (=20-133 mbar). The structure of final products, intermediates and starting materials is confirmed by standard analytical methods, e.g., microanalysis and spectroscopic characteristics, e.g., MS, IR, NMR. Abbreviations used are those conventional in the art.

All starting materials, building blocks, reagents, acids, bases, dehydrating agents, solvents, and catalysts utilized to synthesize the compounds of the present invention are either commercially available or can be produced by organic synthesis methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art (Houben-Weyl 4th Ed. 1952, Methods of Organic Synthesis, Thieme, Volume 21). Further, the compounds of the present invention can be produced by organic synthesis methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art as shown in the following examples.

EXEMPLIFICATION OF THE INVENTION Abbreviations

br: broad bs: broad singlet ACN: acetonitrile d: doublet dd: doublet of doublets m: multiplet DMF: dimethylformamide HATU: O-(7-azabenzotriazol-l-yl)-N,N,N′,N′- tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate ES: electrospray HOBT: 1-hydroxybenzotriazole DIPEA: N,N-diisopropylethylamine ee: enantiomeric excess EDTA: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid EDC: (Ethyl(dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (hydrochloride) EIA: enzyme immunoassay ISTD: internal standard HPLC: high pressure liquid chromatography LC and LCMS: liquid chromatography and HPLC-RT (retention time) liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry H: Hour(s) hrs: hours LLOQ: lower limit of quantification Mg: milligram MS: mass spectrometry m: multiplet min: minutes m/z: mass to charge ratio M and mM: Molar and millimole(s) PI: protease inhibitors PVC: polyvinyl chloride NMR: nuclear magnetic resonance RT room temperature TBME: Methyl tert-butyl ether q: quartet t: triplet s: singlet DMSO: dimethylsulfoxide TFA: trifluoroacetic acid THF: tetrahydrofuran μL, mL and L: microlitre, millilitre and litre UV: ultraviolet ULOQ: Upper limit of quantification

The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention and are not to be construed as being limitations thereon. Temperatures are given in degrees centigrade. If not mentioned otherwise, all evaporations are performed under reduced pressure, preferably between about 15 mm Hg and 100 mm Hg (=20-133 mbar). The structure of final products, intermediates and starting materials is confirmed by standard analytical methods, e.g., microanalysis and spectroscopic characteristics, e.g., MS, IR, NMR. Abbreviations used are those conventional in the art.

All starting materials, building blocks, reagents, acids, bases, dehydrating agents, solvents, and catalysts utilized to synthesis the compounds of the present invention are either commercially available or can be produced by organic synthesis methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art (Houben-Weyl 4th Ed. 1952, Methods of Organic Synthesis, Thieme, Volume 21). Further, the compounds of the present invention can be produced by organic synthesis methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art as shown in the following examples.

Example 1 Synthesis of (3-((2R)-1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-(1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethoxy)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3-oxopropyl)phosphonic acid

A: (R)-3-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-4-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1-biphenyl]-4-yl)butanoic acid

To a solution of (R)-4-(4-bromophenyl)-3-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)butanoic acid (HBC2251, 14 g, 39 mmol) and 5-chloro-2-fluorophenylboronic acid (8.5 g, 49 mmol) in 300 mL H₂O was added Na₂CO₃ (12.5 g, 118 mmol). This solution was warmed to 40° C. and 9 mL of THF was added followed by Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ (0.6 g, 0.86 mmol). The reaction mixture was then stirred at 60° C. for approximately 1 day. The reaction mixture was cooled to 23° C., and the THF was removed in vacuo. The resulting aqueous suspension was filtered through celite and the solids washed with H₂O. The combined filtrate and H₂O wash was then extracted with approximately 3:1 isopropyl acetate/acetone (400 mL). After separation, the organic layer was discarded. TBME (300 mL) was added to the aqueous layer followed by slow addition of 6N HCl (32 mL). The organic layer was then separated and filtered through celite. The solids were washed with TBME. The combined filtrate and washes were concentrated to an off-white solid (14.96 g, 36.7 mmol, 94% yield, approx. 96% UV purity by LCMS). LCMS (ES) C₂₁H₂₃ClFNO₄: Calc.: 407.1; Found: 406.4[M−H]⁺.

B: (3R)-1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-4-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)butanoate

1-chloroethyl cyclohexyl carbonate was resolved by HPLC on a preparative Chiralpak ID column using Heptane/TBME 98:2 and a polarimetric detector. From this resolution, Peak 2 was determined to have 98% ee on a Chiralpak ID column and was used in the subsequent step. To a solution of 1-chloroethyl cyclohexyl carbonate (second-eluting isomer from a Chiralpak ID column Heptane/TBME 98:2) (1.75 g, 8.47 mmol) and (R)-3-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-4-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)butanoic acid (1.5 g, 3.68 mmol) in 35 mL anhydrous DMF at 0° C. was added cesium carbonate (1.2 g, 3.68 mmol). After the reaction mixture was stirred for 5 min, the ice-bath was removed and the reaction mixture was stirred at 23° C. for 4.5 hours. LCMS showed that the reaction was approximately 40% complete. The reaction mixture was stirred approximately 18 hours, at which point LCMS showed the reaction was approximately 95% complete. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride (pH of aqueous layer approximately 6-7). After separation, the aqueous layer was extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were washed once with water, once with saturated aqueous sodium chloride, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, concentrated and purified by silica gel chromatography on an Isco RediSep 120 g silica cartridge (0-20% ethyl acetate-heptane) to afford (3R)-1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-4-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)butanoate (2.07 g, 97% yield, 95.8% ee as determined on analytical supercritical fluid HPLC using a Chiralpak AD-H 5-55% MeOH with 20 mM NH₄OH in CO₂. LCMS (ES⁺) C₃₀H₃₇ClFNO₇: Calc.: 577.2; Found: 578.3[M+H]⁺.

C: (3R)-1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-amino-4-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)butanoate

To (3R)-1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-4-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)butanoate (2.02 g, 3.49 mmol) was added 9 mL of 4M HCl in 1,4-dioxane. The reaction mixture was stirred at 23° C. for approximately 1 hour. The reaction mixture was evaporated approximately to dryness to afford (3R)-1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-amino-4-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)butanoate (approximately 1.73 g, 104%) and taken directly to the next step. LCMS (ES⁺) C₂₅H₂₉ClFNO₅: Calc.: 477.2; Found: 478.2[M+H]⁺.

D: (3-(((R)-1-(5′-chloro-2-fluoro-[1,1-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-((S)-1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethoxy)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3-oxopropyl)phosphonic acid

To a solution of 3-phosphonoproprionic acid (1.62 g, 10.5 mmol) in 15 mL anhydrous DMF was added HATU (4 g, 10.5 mmol). The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and diisopropylethylamine (9 mL, 51.5 mmol) was slowly added turning the reaction mixture bright yellow. Upon completion of addition, the ice bath was removed and the reaction mixture stirred at 23° C. for ˜20 min. A soln. of (3R)-1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl 3-amino-4-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1-biphenyl]-4-yl)butanoate (1.73 g, 3.36 mmol) in 15 mL anhydrous DMF was then added to the reaction mixture, which was then stirred at 23° C. for approximately 2.5 days. LCMS of the reaction mixture showed an approximately 2:1 mixture of product:starting material by UV. Additional diisopropylethylamine (2.4 mL, 13.7 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture followed by 3-phosphonoproprionic acid (0.54 g, 3.5 mmol), and HATU (1.3 g, 3.5 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 23° C. for approximately 4 hours. LCMS showed an approximately 10:1 ratio of product:starting material by UV. The reaction mixture was stirred at 23° C. for approximately 18 h. LCMS showed an approximately 20:1 ratio of product:starting material by UV. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with 3N HCl (aqueous) until no HATU-derived polar impurities were observed by LCMS (e.g. ≧4× washes). The organic layer was washed with water, then with saturated aqueous sodium chloride, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The resulting white solid was stirred in toluene for approximately 3 days, then filtered and dried on high vacuum to afford 1.3 g (3-(((R)-1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-(S)-1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethoxy)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3-oxopropyl)phosphonic acid (2.1 mmol, 62% yield). The absolute stereochemistry was determined by X-ray crystallography. The product was isolated as a crystalline Form A. HRMS (ES⁺) C₂₈H₃₄ClFNO₉P: Calc.: 613.2; Found: 614.2[M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ: 10.45 (br s, 2H), 8.05 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (dd, J=6.8, 2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (dd, J=8.2, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.46 (ddd, J=6.6, 4.3, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (dd, J=10.3, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 6.61 (q, J=5.4 Hz, 1H), 4.49-4.59 (m, 1H), 4.21-4.34 (m, 1H), 2.71-2.86 (m, 2H), 2.49-2.52 (m, 2H), 2.10-2.27 (m, 2H), 1.75-1.88 (m, 2H), 1.63 (m, 4H), 1.14-1.51 (m, 9H).

The following X-ray powder diffraction (XPRD), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of crystalline form A were obtained from a larger batch of (3-(((R)-1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-((S)-1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethoxy)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3-oxopropyl)phosphonic acid which was prepared similarly to the procedure described supra.

Form A

a) X-Ray Powder Diffraction

An x-ray powder diffraction pattern was recorded on a Bruker™ D8 GADDS Discover diffractometer with CuKα, anode (CuKα radiation (λ=1.5418 Å).

The X-ray diffraction pattern thus determined is shown in FIG. 1 and represented in Table 2 below by the reflection lines of the most important lines.

TABLE 2 Angle Intensity % 2-Theta ° % 3.331 48.3 5.729 47 8.734 23.7 11.423 33.2 14.4 44.8 15.861 28.4 16.545 59.6 17.525 90.7 17.817 81.5 18.732 99.8 19.611 49.1 20.153 74.4 20.68 83.4 21.169 38.1 21.696 100 21.94 66.2 23.174 31.5 23.937 48.3 24.117 57.7 24.571 61.1 25.024 62.1 25.47 50.5 27.365 51.3 27.362 40.4 27.985 31.1 28.386 36.4 29.167 39.6 29.606 48.2 30.692 45 31.789 40 32.487 34.2 b) Elemental Analysis:

Water content (Karl Fischer titration): 0.77% m/m* (mass/mass)

TABLE 3 theoretical measured Element content [% m/m] content [% m/m] C 54.77 54.69* H 5.58 6.231* N 2.28 2.22* F 3.09 Not reported* Cl 5.77 Not reported* P 5.04 Not reported* O 23.45 Not reported*

Experimental data correspond to expectations for a free acid of (3-(((R)-1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-(S)-1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethoxy)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3-oxopropyl)phosphonic acid

c) Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC):

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) trace of Form A was obtained using TA Instruments Q2000 (DSC) and Q5000 (TGA)

with aluminum pan (TI20608); heating rate 10 C.°/min, temperature range: 25 to 250° C. Melting endotherm: T_(onset)=146.09, ΔH=66.56 J/g; small initial weigh loss of 0.38% before melt onset.

DSC:

Accurately weigh 0.5-1.0 mg of test substance into the closed sample pan. An empty sample pan is used as reference. The DSC thermogram is recorded as follow: the temperature of the apparatus is adjusted to about −40° C., and heated to 300° C. at a heating rate of 10° C./min, under a nitrogen flow of 50 mL/min. The instrument is calibrated for temperature and enthalpy with Indium, at least 99.9999% pure. The accuracy of the measured sample temperature with this method is within about ±1° C., and the heat of fusion can be measured within a relative error of about ±5%.

TGA:

Accurately weigh 0.5-1.0 mg of test substance into the open sample pan. The TGA thermogram is recorded as follows: the sample is loaded into the furnace, the temperature equilibrated to 30° C. and heated to 300° C. at a heating rate of 10° C./min, under a flow of nitrogen at 25 m L/min.

The instrument is calibrated for temperature with nickel and aluminum, and calibrated for weight with a 100 mg standard.

Example 2 Synthesis of (R)-4-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-3-(3-phosphonopropanamido)butanoic acid

A: (R)-(3-((1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-ethoxy-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3-oxopropyl)phosphonic acid

(R)-ethyl 3-amino-4-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1-biphenyl]-4-yl)butanoate (114 mg, 0.306 mmol), 3-phosphonoproprionic acid (47.2 mg, 0.306 mmol), EDC (58.7 mg, 0.306 mmol) and HOBT (46.9 mg, 0.306 mmol) were mostly dissolved in DMF (1 mL), and DIPEA (0.321 mL, 1.837 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred and heated at 70° C. approximately 18 hours, then filtered and purified by HPLC: 30-80% ACN/H₂O 0.1% TFA, 40 mL/min over 15 min 30×100 Sunfire C18, product elutes approximately 5.5-8 min. A mixed fraction was repurified on a 20-55% gradient over 20 min, and product eluted ˜12.5-13 min. The fractions were evaporated to dryness to afford (R)-(3-((1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-ethoxy-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3-oxopropyl)phosphonic acid (17 mg) LCMS (ES⁺) C₂₁H₂₄ClFNO₆P: Calc.: 471.1; Found: 472.0[M+H]⁺.

B: (R)-4-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-3-(3-phosphonopropanamido)butanoic acid

(R)-(3-((1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-ethoxy-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3-oxopropyl)phosphonic acid (17 mg, 0.036 mmol) was stirred with 0.144 mL 1N NaOH, 0.288 mL water, then 0.5 mL MeOH. An additional 0.2 mL 1N NaOH was added and the solution was heated to 50° C. for 1 hour. The solvent was evaporated, 0.4 mL of 1N HCl was added at 23° C. and the mixture was again concentrated to dryness. Acetonitrile was added, and the mixture was filtered and purified by HPLC: 20-55% ACN/H₂O 0.1% TFA over 8 min, 40 mL/min 30×10 Sunfire C18, product elutes at 7-7.5 min. (R)-4-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1-biphenyl]-4-yl)-3-(3-phosphonopropanamido)butanoic acid (3.3 mg). LCMS (ES⁺) C₇₉H₂₀ClFNO₆P: Calc.: 443.1; Found: 444.1[M+H]⁺. ¹H NMR (MeOD) δ: 7.46-7.41 (m, 3H), 7.37-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.33-7.29 (m, 1H), 7.16 (dd, J=10.2, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 4.44 (m, 1H), 3.01 (dd, J=13.5, 5.5 Hz, 1H), 2.83 (dd, J=21.3, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 2.44-2.31 (m, 4H), 1.73-1.62 (m, 2H)

Examples 3.1-3.15 were prepared according to the methods described in Example 1. Example 3.1 was prepared using the first-eluting isomer from a Chiralpak ID column Heptane/TBME 98:2.

LCMS: ES+ [M + H]+ Example Structure/Name (r.t.) 3.1

614.3 (1.21) (3-(((2R)-1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-(1- (((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethoxy)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3- oxopropyl)phosphonic acid 3.2

592.2 (1.24) (3-(((2R)-4-(1-(benzoyloxy)ethoxy)-1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′- biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3-oxopropyl)phosphonic acid 3.3

574.2 (1.21 min) ((10R)-10-((5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)-2,6- dimethyl-4,8,12-trioxo-3,5,7-trioxa-11-azatetradecan-14- yl)phosphonic acid 3.4

560.2 (1.17 min) ((10R)-10-((5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)-6- methyl-4,8,12-trioxo-3,5,7-trioxa-11-azatetradecan-14- yl)phosphonic acid 3.5

530.0 (1.11 min) (3-(((2R)-4-(1-acetoxyethoxy)-1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]- 4-yl)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3-oxopropyl)phosphonic acid 3.6

572.2 (1.25 min) ((10R)-10-((5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)-2,6- dimethyl-4,8,12-trioxo-3,5,7-trioxa-11-azatetradecan-14- yl)phosphonic acid 3.7

558.2 (1.21 min) (R)-(3-((1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-oxo-4- ((pivaloyloxy)methoxy)butan-2-yl)amino)-3-oxopropyl)phosphonic acid 3.8

556.1 (1.11 min) (R)-(3-((1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-((5-methyl-2- oxo-1,3-dioxo1-4-yl)methoxy)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3- oxopropyl)phosphonic acid 3.9

529.1 (1.01 min) (R)-(3-((1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-(2- (dimethylamino)-2-oxoethoxy)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3- oxopropyl)phosphonic acid  3.10

557.1 (1.09 min) (R)-2-(diethylamino)-2-oxoethyl 3-(3-(bis(2-(diethylamino)-2- oxoethoxy)phosphoryl)propanamido)-4-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′- biphenyl]-4-yl)butanoate  3.11

585.2 (1.19 min) (R)-(3-((1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-(2- (dipropylamino)-2-oxoethoxy)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3- oxopropyl)phosphonic acid  3.12

613.3 (1.28 min) (R)-(3-((1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-(2- (dibutylamino)-2-oxoethoxy)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3- oxopropyl)phosphonic acid  3.13

555.1 (1.06 min) (R)-(3-((1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-oxo-4-(2-oxo- 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethoxy)butan-2-yl)amino)-3- oxopropyl)phosphonic acid  3.14

569.2 (1.11 min) (R)-(3-((1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-oxo-4-(2-oxo- 2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)butan-2-yl)amino)-3- oxopropyl)phosphonic acid  3.15

560.1 (1.28 min) (R)-(3-((1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-((2,3-dihydro- 1H-inden-5-yl)oxy)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3- oxopropyl)phosphonic acid

It can be seen that the compounds of the invention are useful as inhibitors of Neutral endopeptidase activity and therefore useful in the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with Neutral endopeptidase activity such as the diseases disclosed herein.

Additionally, the compounds of the invention elicit no or only small increase of Aβ peptide concentration in the CNS and may offer a beneficial safety profile.

It will be understood that the invention has been described by way of example only and modifications may be made whilst remaining within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of the formula (I):

wherein: R¹ is H; —C₁₋₇alkyl or C₆₋₁₀aryl; wherein alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of —O—C(O)—O—C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, —O—C(O)—C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, —O—C(O)—C₆₋₁₀aryl, —O—C(O)—O—C₆₋₁₀aryl, —O—C(O)—O—C₁₋₇alkyl, —O—C(O)—C₁₋₇alkyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, —C(O)-heterocyclyl, —C(O)NH₂, —C(O)NH—C₁₋₇alkyl, and —C(O)N(C₁₋₇alkyl)₂; R² is Cl, CH₃ or F; R³ is H, F, Cl, CH₃ or OCH₃, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. The compound according to claim 1 of Formula II:

wherein: R¹ is H; —C₁₋₇alkyl or C₆₋₁₀aryl; wherein alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of —O—C(O)—O—C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, —O—C(O)—C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, —O—C(O)—C₆₋₁₀aryl, —O—C(O)—O—C₆₋₁₀aryl, —O—C(O)—O—C₁₋₇alkyl, —O—C(O)—C₁₋₇alkyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, —C(O)-heterocyclyl, —C(O)NH₂, —C(O)NH—C₁₋₇alkyl, and —C(O)N(C₁₋₇alkyl)₂; R² is Cl, CH₃ or F; R³ is H, F, Cl, CH₃ or OCH₃, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 3. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R² is Cl and R³ is F; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 4. The compound according to claim 1 having Formula III:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 5. The compound according to claim 1 having Formula IV:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 6. The compound of claim 1 wherein R¹ is —C₁₋₇alkyl or C₆₋₁₀aryl; wherein alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of —O—C(O)—O—C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, —O—C(O)—C₃₋₇cycloalkyl, —O—C(O)—C₆₋₁₀aryl, —O—C(O)—O—C₆₋₁₀aryl, —O—C(O)—O—C₁₋₇alkyl, —O—C(O)—C₁₋₇alkyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, —C(O)-heterocyclyl, —C(O)NH₂, —C(O)NH—C₁₋₇alkyl, and —C(O)N(C₁₋₇alkyl)₂; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 7. The compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹ is —C₁₋₄alkyl or R¹ is selected from the following groups:

wherein R^(a), R^(c), R^(d) and R^(e) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₄alkyl and R^(b) is C₁₋₄alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 8. The compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹ is Me, Et or is selected from a group of the following Formulae:

wherein R^(e) is H or C₁₋₄alkyl, and R^(b) is C₁₋₄alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 9. The compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹ is Me, Et or is selected from a group of the following Formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
 11. A combination comprising: a compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and one or more therapeutically active agents selected from HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitor, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, a calcium channel blocker, an endothelin antagonist, a renin inhibitor, a diuretic, an ApoA-I mimic, an anti-diabetic agent, an aldosterone receptor blocker, an endothelin receptor blocker, an aldosterone synthase inhibitor, a Cholesterylester Transfer Protein (CETP) inhibitor and a phophodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.
 12. The compound according to claim 3 wherein R¹ is Me, Et or is selected from a group of the following Formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 12, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
 14. A combination comprising: a compound according to claim 12 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and one or more therapeutically active agents selected from HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitor, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, a calcium channel blocker, an endothelin antagonist, a renin inhibitor, a diuretic, an ApoA-I mimic, an anti-diabetic agent, an aldosterone receptor blocker, an endothelin receptor blocker, an aldosterone synthase inhibitor, a Cholesterylester Transfer Protein (CETP) inhibitor and a phophodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.
 15. The compound according to claim 1 which is (3-(((R)-1-(5′-chloro-2′-fluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-4-((S)-1-(((cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethoxy)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)amino)-3-oxopropyl)phosphonic acid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 16. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 15, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
 17. A combination comprising: a compound according to claim 15 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and one or more therapeutically active agents selected from HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitor, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, a calcium channel blocker, an endothelin antagonist, a renin inhibitor, a diuretic, an ApoA-I mimic, an anti-diabetic agent, an aldosterone receptor blocker, an endothelin receptor blocker, an aldosterone synthase inhibitor, a Cholesterylester Transfer Protein (CETP) inhibitor and a phophodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. 